Tsipras has declared readiness of Greece to become a “bridge” between Russia and the EU – RBC

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras

Photo: ARIS MESSINIS / AFP

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that in general, Greece opposes the remedial measures against Russia and is ready to serve as a “bridge of friendship” between Russia and Europe

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at a press conference after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin did not respond directly to the question of journalists, how will Greece vote when considering the extension of the EU sanctions against Moscow in June, but spoke generally against the continuation of the sanctions measures.

He said that the future of the European continent is inconceivable, if the EU is opposed to Russia. Greece, he said, could serve as a “bridge of friendship and cooperation»

«Our role in all international organizations, which we are made, it is to contribute to have smoothed the rough edges”, -. Assured Tsipras partner and journalists.

Responding to a question about whether the topic was discussed sanctions on his talks Alexis Tsipras in Athens, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that “it is not our question».

“It’s not that we introduced sanctions. We retaliated as only partners are ripe for a reversal, we immediately made a similar gesture and a step “, – said Putin

Earlier, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that despite the Greek position as an opponent of sanctions Russia will not make exceptions for any country and change their decision on the embargo

Putin also stated that the EU sanctions and retaliatory Russian measures have damaged economic cooperation with Greece. turnover fell by 36% last year to $ 2.8 billion.

Tsipras has repeatedly said that his government opposed sanctions against Moscow. However, they invariably extended by the decision of all 28 EU countries.

Putin at the end of the press conference supported the Greek partner, whose efforts to promote dialogue between Russia and the European Union have so far failed. “We fully understand the world in which we live and we do not expect the commission of the labors of Hercules, and it is unlikely Greece will be able to clean the Augean stables of the European bureaucracy”, – said Putin, whose words caused laughter of the audience.

Moscow as Putin said, he hopes that Greece will be able to contribute to and influence decisions in the EU, if together with the neighbors will create uchloviya for the implementation of major regional projects.