By Vestnik Kavkaza
The internet edition of the US television channel CNBC wrote about the possibility of new sanctions against Russia. According to analysts, the relationship between Europe and Russia has deteriorated over the past weekend. The reason for this was the Kremlin's decision to ban 89 European politicians and military officials from entering the country. The European Union, in turn, threatens new sanctions against Russia, as, in their view, Moscow's decision to limit the number of persons entitled to enter the country is unjustified. But is it really that way?
After the deterioration of relations between Russia and Europe in connection with the events in Ukraine, both sides have taken steps intended to limit the powers of these countries in the economic, political and other spheres. The main condition for lifting sanctions against Russia is compliance with the Minsk Agreement. However, despite the fact that there are no obvious violations on Moscow's part, the sanctions have not yet been removed, and what's more, the European Council is considering the introduction of additional measures. It is obvious that in such a situation, the leadership of the Kremlin is left with no other way but to take reciprocal steps, and a ban on the entry of 89 officials from Europe became such a measure.
The fact is that, despite the outcry from the European Community, additional sanctions against Russia will not lead to an improvement in the situation, and will likely cause a further deterioration of the economic situation in Europe. German automakers have already complained that because of the ban on exports the industry is losing a significant part of its income. The same thing is happening in other sectors of the economy. That is why the main question is not the imposition of new sanctions, or the deterioration of relations, but a search for solutions to the protracted conflict, which primarily threatens the equilibrium of the European Union, many member states of which are already unhappy about the situation.
The US publication The National writes today about the possibility of Russia returning to the G8. Last year, in protest against the events in Ukraine, the leaders of the "Big Seven" held a summit without the participation of Russia. Today, however, the representatives of two German business lobby groups said that Russia should be invited to the summit of industrial powers to be held next weekend. According to many analysts, the ban on the participation of Russia in the summit is a missed opportunity for Europe, which today is experiencing quite a difficult economic period. The resumption of official relations with Moscow could help to resolve the crisis and bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Finally, Europe is beginning to realize the fact that it is better to cooperate with Russia than to dwell in confrontation.
The analytical magazine Foreign Policy writes about the likelihood of progress in the negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. A month is left before the deadline set by the international mediators to sign an agreement with Iran, but the parties have still not reached a consensus decision on the key issues. The US State Department insists on compliance with the terms of the agreement, but the Iranian leadership adheres to the principle of respect for the original plan, which provided for a complete lifting of sanctions against the state. However, more and more countries that are not directly related to the negotiations, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, are against Iran. The US leadership, which is trying to save relations with its allies, is in a situation which will not bring the desired results whatever happens. In the case of lifting the sanctions against Iran, most likely Saudi Arabia will launch its own nuclear program, and if the sanctions are lifted, then the US will lose control of the Middle East.
However, no circumstances, even the broken leg of John Kerry, will cause a termination of the negotiations. The countries are going to come to an agreement that in will change the balance of forces in the world one way or another.
