News / Brèves Back to previous selection / Retour à la sélection précédente Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras Denounces Economic War Against Russia 20 February 2015 EIRNS — In the context of a long interview in the German Stern magazine, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras denounced sanctions and economic warfare against Russia. Stern: Do you want money from Russia or from China? Tsipras: For the time being, we only have a European solution in mind. We as a country belong to the Euro-zone. It would be a mistake to jeopardize this political unity. We are fully aware of the key geopolitical role Greece plays in the world, and we will continue to be a stable anchor in a fragile tri-border region. Stern: You are referring to Syria, Libya and Ukraine. But you did cause some confusion in the Ukraine conflict, when you were the only EU head of government to criticize the sanctions imposed on Russia. Tsipras: Now hold on! I’m not the only one. Austria’s Chancellor [Werner] Faymann and the Finnish government are also sceptical. I condemn any violation of international law, and I deplore the escalation of violence in Ukraine. Let us not forget that there are many Greeks living in the embattled city of Mariupol. But waging an economic war against Russia makes no sense. Furthermore, sanctions against Russia are hypocritical. If you punish Russia, then you’d also have to punish all those countries in which Russian multibillionaires have invested their assets. [Stern: So you would vote against extending or tightening these sanctions? Tsipras: I want the EU to come to an agreement in dialogue and to speak with one voice. After all, Greece is also suffering from the sanctions. Russian tourists are staying away, and our agricultural industry is affected. Dean Andromidas