Van Rompuy threatening Russia with new sanctions over Ukrainian crisis
BRUSSELS. May 14 (Interfax) - European Council President Herman van Rompuy said Russia might face additional sanctions in connection with the Ukrainian crisis.
The European Union imposed sanctions on a number of Russian individuals and legal entities after Russia had incorporated Crimea and Sevastopol, van Rompuy said in Tbilisi on Wednesday.
The statement of van Rompuy posted in Brussels says the EU was set to step up sanctions on Russia in the case of further destabilization in Ukraine.
The European Council President recalled the Kyiv visit he paid two days ago and a meeting with Ukrainian interim President Oleksandr Turchynov whom he assured of the EU support of independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The next goal is a free and fair presidential election to be held on May 25, he said.
Van Rompuy said the European Union would continue to insist on the dialogue and negotiations as the only way to a stable, democratic, inclusive and modern Ukraine.
He also promised support for political, economic and security reforms in Ukraine.
