REUTERS
The new Greek government may veto further sanctions against Russia for escalating the war in Ukraine, the Greek publication Kathimerini has reported, citing its own sources, according to Ukrainian newspaper Yevropeiska Pravda.
The news was made public after newly elected Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stated that he did not agree with the strong statements by EU leaders on the need to consider new sanctions against Russia.
At an upcoming meeting of foreign ministers on Thursday, January 29, Greece will be represented by the newly appointed Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, who is said to favor closer relations with Moscow.
The introduction of new sanctions requires the consent of all 28 EU Member States, and Greece can veto such move.
Athens demanded additional consideration of a strongly-worded statement on Russia issued by EU leaders due to some points the Greek government wants to make, according to reports of a telephone conversation between Tsipras and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
Earlier, EU leaders urged the ministers of foreign affairs to consider introducing new sanctions against Russia during an extraordinary meeting on January 29 of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on the situation in Ukraine.