UKRAINE-CRISIS/G7-MOGHERINI Mogherini says there is "no objective" to isolate Russia

Record ID: 136072

  • Title: UKRAINE-CRISIS/G7-MOGHERINI Mogherini says there is "no objective" to isolate Russia
  • Date: 15th April 2015
  • Summary: LUEBECK, GERMANY (APRIL 15, 2015) (REUTERS) JOURNALISTS
  • Embargoed: 30th April 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Germany
  • Country: Germany
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA819TXF5VYUKJ4NWH3Q12YXQ4P
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Wednesday (April 15) that isolating Russia is not a goal in relation to solving the Ukraine crisis.
    "We want to see the Ukrainian crisis solved and international law restored. But there is no objective to isolate Russia, there is not a goal to isolate Russia at all and we are all looking forward (to) Russia coming back to be a responsible player in the international scene. Obviously it's in the hands of Russia to take the decision to do so," Mogherini told journalists in Luebeck after the close of a two-day meeting with Group of Seven foreign ministers.
    Russia's actions in Ukraine have led the G7 to suspend Russia's invitation to their talks.
    Mogherini also indicated she was optimistic that a Iran deal on nuclear arms would get through the U.S. Congress.
    "I am confident that the U.S. - not only the U.S. leadership that is very much committed but also the U.S. congress - will understand that this agreement is an agreement in the interests of the security of everybody in the region and world-wide, also because it can set the precedent for good non-proliferation agreements and deals also in other parts of the world," she said.
    U.S. President Barack Obama conceded on Tuesday (April 14) that Congress will have the power to review a nuclear deal with Iran, reluctantly giving in to pressure from Republicans and some in his own party after they crafted a rare compromise demanding a say.
    A tentative deal between Iran and the six world powers was reached in Switzerland on April 2, but Iran said on Wednesday it would only accept a deal over its contested nuclear program if world powers simultaneously lifted all sanctions imposed on it.
    On Yemen, Mogherini emphasised the need for a political solution. "I am closely in contact with the actors of the region and with the U.N. to try and see what kind of steps can be made," she said.
    Fighting across Yemen may be pushing a country where Sunnis and Shi'ites have prayed in the same mosques for centuries toward a sectarian war. After nearly three weeks of airstrikes by Saudi Arabia and its Sunni Gulf neighbours who see Shi'ite Houthis rebels as Iranian puppets, Yemen risks being carved up along religious lines.
    Mogherini also said the EU would be discussing a "security and defence component" regarding Libya, as "we are ready as Europeans to do our part if and when a national unity government will be formed."
    Forces loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government carried out air strikes on Wednesday near the capital Tripoli, which is controlled by its rivals, officials said, as United Nations peace talks were due to start in Morocco.
    Two governments, one based in the east, the other in Tripoli, are fighting for control of Libya and carrying out tit-for-tat air strikes, four years after the ousting of leader Muammar Gaddafi.
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