PRESS RELEASE
Russia Says G7 Summit Produced Nothing New—But Notes Splits
June 9, 2015 (EIRNS)—Russia said yesterday evening that it saw nothing new in the tough line taken by G7 leaders regarding sanctions against Moscow, and suggested that there were differences among its member-states. British Prime Minister David Cameron and European Council President Donald Tusk said they hoped the G7 would present a united front on sanctions towards Russia over the Ukraine crisis.
"Yes, we paid attention to the latest declarations on sanctions. These are not new theses," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"We also drew attention to the fact that among the participants of this meeting there are nuances in their approaches. Some talk about the need for dialogue with Russia and the impossibility of solving serious problems without this dialogue, so we continue watching closely."
Peskov said the G7 should be aware which side must carry out its obligations under the Minsk agreement—a clear reference to Kiev’s obstructionism.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking separately on June 8, urged Western powers to ensure that Kiev meets its obligations under the Minsk agreement, which include pulling back heavy weapons and allowing more autonomy in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. He said that "Russia expected that western powers would see to it that also Kiev fulfill the Minsk agreements."
