13 Apr 2016 17:23

U.S. invariably links Russia sanctions relief with implementation of Minsk agreements - Embassy

MOSCOW. April 13 (Interfax) - Washington still links the lifting of the anti-Russian sanctions exclusively with full implementation of the Minsk agreements on Ukraine, a spokesman for the United States Embassy to Russia, Will Stevens, told Interfax on Wednesday

The U.S. position is invariable: the sanctions can only be lifted, or partly cancelled, in the event of the full implementation of the Minsk agreements, Stevens stressed.

The U.S. diplomat was commenting on claims by Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev that the conditions are now turning in favor of the anti-Russian sanctions being canceled or reduced in the very near future.