Switzerland joins most of anti-Russian sanctions from 14th package adopted earlier by EU

BERLIN. Oct 16 (Interfax) -Switzerland has moved to join a few more anti-Russian sanctions introduced as part of the 14th package by the European Union earlier this year, the Swiss government said on its website on Wednesday.

"On October 16, the Federal Council decided to adopt most of the measures in the EU's 14th package of sanctions against Russia," the Swiss government said, adding that the decision was made after scrutinizing the measures proposed by the EU.

In particular, measures adopted by Switzerland on Wednesday include banning Swiss lenders from using certain specialized systems similar to SWIFT to allow exchange of communications for payment transactions. The country has also imposed certain restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and added 27 Russian vessels to its list of sanctioned persons.

Switzerland joined some measures from the 14th package earlier this year, when it adjusted bans concerning Russian diamonds and prolonged validity periods for some exemptions from sanctions.

On July 9 this year, Switzerland followed the EU to add 69 individuals and 47 legal entities to its Russia sanctions lists, the Swiss government said.

Earlier on June 24, the EU adopted the 14th package of anti-Russian sanctions, introducing restrictions in relation to 116 individuals and legal entities, prohibiting any new investment and transfer of technology for the completion of Russian LNG projects and banning Russian LNG from being transshipped at EU ports for delivery to any third countries.