Kazakh cos could face EU sanctions in next package - envoy

ASTANA. Jan 30 (Interfax) - Kazakh companies might be included in the European Union's upcoming 16th package of sanctions against Russia, EU Special Envoy for Sanctions David O'Sullivan said.

"The EU is working on its 16th sanctions package and while Kazakh companies may be added, no final decision has been made," he said.

Only companies with clear and undeniable evidence of involvement in sanctions violations would be targeted, O'Sullivan said.

"The EU conducts a detailed review, analyzing trade relationships and past transactions, before taking any action. While the EU prefers to collaborate with governments to address sanctions compliance systematically, it will not hesitate to impose restrictions on companies when necessary," he said.

The European Union fully respects Kazakhstan's choice not to join anti-Russian sanctions and not pressure Kazakhstan to join them, O'Sullivan said earlier.

Bloomberg has reported, citing sources, that ahead of the third anniversary of the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the European Union is preparing another sanctions package, which may include a phased ban on aluminum imports from Russia. European buyers would be able to continue buying Russian aluminum for a year under a quota system, and then a complete ban on its import would go into effect.

Also under discussion within the framework of the new package are disconnecting about 15 banks from SWIFT and sanctions against more than 70 ships transporting Russian oil.

The role of the EU Special Envoy for Sanctions was established to maintain high-level dialogue with third countries and prevent the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia since the start of the Ukraine conflict.