EU extends Russia sanctions until 31 January 2017![]() July 1, 2016 - 15:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union on Friday, July 1 extended its economic sanctions on Russia until the end of January next year in a widely expected decision after EU leaders called for more progress in bringing peace to eastern Ukraine, Reuters reports. "Having assessed the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the Council decided to renew the sanctions for a further six months, until January 31, 2017," the Council of European governments said, referring to the Minsk peace deal. The EU and the United States imposed sanctions on Russia's defense, energy and financial sectors in July 2014 over Moscow's support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Moscow imposed a ban on EU farm exports in retaliation, and denies any direct backing for the rebels. Azerbaijani authorities report that they have already resettled 3,000 people in the Nagorno-Karabakh town of Stepanakert. On June 10, Azerbaijani President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will leave for Turkey on a working visit. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. Partner news |