Sant proposes return to ‘sane appreciation’ of EU-Russian relations

Labour MEP Alfred Sant has claimed that the hype surrounding anti-Russia sanctions has distracted the European Union from tackling vital issues such as countering terrorism, which required an international response.

The former prime minister said that instead of discussing further sanctions, Europe should be restoring “a sane appreciation of EU-Russian ties”.

Speaking to the Sputnik news agency, Sant said: “Both sides know they are hurting each other, and deep down, both sides are asking themselves what is the point of all this.”

The EU launched wide-ranging financial and material sanctions against Russia over its role in the destabilisation of Ukrainian security in Crimea, where it has supported rebels demanding the secession of the landmass.

The Russian news agency asked for Sant’s comments following the European Council’s decision to keep economic sanctions against Russia. Asked whether more sanctions should be imposed on Russia, Sant replied: “I don’t think this is the right question to ask, even now. We should ask what brought us to this point? And how can we get back to a sane appreciation of EU-Russian relations? Both sides have genuine deep and unnecessary grievances against each other, both sides have been acting in bad faith, both sides know they are hurting each other, and deep down, both sides are asking themselves: but what is the point of all this?”

Alfred Sant said monopolistic forces on both sides of the “divide” will be benefiting from further sanctions against Russia. “They profit either way, with more or with less sanctions against and by Russia.”

Sant said that most European countries believe that there should be a negotiated settlement of the problems that have arisen.

“Some do not believe Russia wants to solve them and they therefore think that sanctions are the only way out. Others believe that a settlement can be achieved without sanctions. Still others, and I agree with them, believe that this has been a lousy way of doing things, both from the EU and from the Russian end.

“Meanwhile, the needed joint action between all Europeans, of course including Russia, to respond according to European values to the new global wave of barbarism/terrorism remains unattended.”