MOSCOW (Sputnik), Anna Liatsu — Athens remains committed to its opposition to anti-Russia sanctions, Greek Deputy Defense Minister Costas Isychos told Sputnik on Saturday:
"The Greek government has a standing position that sanctions will not help, they are not a tool to promote dialogue and cooperation between East and West regarding the Ukrainian crisis."
Western countries claim Russia is directly involved in the Ukrainian hostilities that have claimed over 6,400 lives to date. Russia, meanwhile, argues it is not a party to the conflict and urges a diplomatic resolution of the crisis.
"Mr. Tsipras still stands on that main issue: we are in disagreement with the sanctions. We call for the [termination] of sanctions," Kammenos' deputy told Sputnik on Saturday.
Kammenos responded that the "unbreakable bonds" of a common religion and economic ties unite the two countries.
US President Barack Obama is expected to advocate an extension of sanctions against Russia at a G7 summit due to start in Germany on Sunday. The European Union's set of measures targeted at Russia's economy expire on July 31.
