Minister refuses to back down on Russia
Icelandic Foreign Minister, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson. Photo: AFP
Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson has refused to back down on the subject of Iceland’s support for the West’s current embargo of Russia, reports Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV.
Russia placed an embargo on Icelandic food imports back in August 2015 in retaliation for Iceland’s support of European Union sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
Despite claims from the Icelandic fishing industry that the Russian embargo could cost the economy up to ISK 12 billion (approx. €84 million), Iceland’s Foreign Minister has reiterated that he will not budge on the issue and that Iceland’s support is unwavering.
“People can do what they like as regards me personally – I will not change my mind on this issue and it is wrong to withdraw from these sanctions [against Russia] for the sake of these sums of money,” said Sveinsson, speaking on Icelandic radio this morning.
