French National Assembly Backs Resolution to Lift Anti-Russia Sanctions

The resolution proposed by the opposition calls on the French government to protest extension of EU sanctions against Moscow.

A total of 101 lawmakers took part in the vote, with 55 voting in favor of the resolution.

Adoption of the resolution on the lifting of sanctions against Russia. Voting: 101. Majority: 50. In Favor: 55. Against: 44. 2 Abstained.

"It is a miracle and a great victory," Nicolas Dhuicq, a member of the French National Assembly's Defense Commission, told Sputnik.

Lifting of sanctions against #Russia: Online analysis of the vote

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated amid the 2014 crisis in Ukraine. The European Union, the United States and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russian sanctions since the reunification of Crimea with Russia in 2014, accusing Moscow of meddling in the Ukrainian conflict, a claim Russian authorities have repeatedly denied.

Washington and Brussels imposed sanctions against Russian individuals and the Russian defense, energy and banking sectors in July 2014. Russia responded by introducing a year-long food embargo on imports from the United States, the European Union and other countries that targeted Russia, subsequently extending the current embargo until August 5, 2016.

The EU leaders summit is scheduled for June 28-29. Extending the EU economic sanctions against Russia, which are due to expire in July, is likely to be on the summit's agenda.