
Russia: "Sanctions could make Europe irrelevant, force Russia east," says former Italian FM
Sanctions on Russia are against "European interests" and could force Russia into strengthening relations with China, former Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in Moscow, Thursday.
Frattini, who now heads the Italian Society for International Organization, also said the European Commission cannot seek to achieve its aims for growth and job production if it continues to reduce trade with Russia. He was also clear in suggesting the sooner the sanctions are reviewed, the better.

Sanctions on Russia are against "European interests" and could force Russia into strengthening relations with China, former Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in Moscow, Thursday.
Frattini, who now heads the Italian Society for International Organization, also said the European Commission cannot seek to achieve its aims for growth and job production if it continues to reduce trade with Russia. He was also clear in suggesting the sooner the sanctions are reviewed, the better.