Russian minister sure EU won't sanction economy sectors
ST. PETERSBURG. May 24 (Interfax) - Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev believes the European Union will not impose sanctions on some sectors of the Russian economy.
"I am convinced sincerely that things won't go as far," Ulyukayev told journalists on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Saturday when asked about his attitude toward the possibility that the EU could impose sanctions on various sectors of the Russian economy.
The media reports suggesting that the EU might impose sanctions on certain sectors of the Russian economy concern proposals prepared by a European Commission working group, he said.
"These are merely proposals," Ulyukayev said. "Anyway, time will show," he added.
Ulyukayev noted, in particular, that such sanctions are absolutely inconsistent with WTO norms.
Russia pointed out at a WTO General Council meeting on May 12 that both the sanctions that have already been imposed and those being discussed are against the WTO regulations, Ulyukayev said.