Iceland Will Participate in the EU’s Sanctions

PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir.

PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson

Vala Hafstað

Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir states that the position of Icelandic authorities is clear regarding Russia’s decision to send troops into separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, mbl.is reports.

She calls the decision a violation of international law and states that Iceland will participate in the European Union’s sanctions on Russia.

“This involves the border of an independent state, where Russia not only has recognized the independence of those two regions [Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine], but has, too, sent troops across the border, which we regard as a serious violation of international law,” Katrín told mbl.is following a government meeting yesterday.

Putin’s decision was discussed at the government meeting. The EU has been preparing sanctions, and Katrín stressed that Iceland would participate in those. The willingness of Western leaders to explore diplomatic solutions has been clear, she noted, and they still cling to that hope.

“Of course we hope this course of events will not lead to a bloody conflict, which could have devastating consequences, not only for civilians in the area, who are of course always victims under such circumstances, but it could, too, have a major impact on Europe, such as if people start fleeing the country,” Katrín concluded.

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