ATHENS (Sputnik) — The Parliament of Cyprus has adopted a resolution to lift EU sanctions against Russia, secretary of a parliamentary group of Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) Maria Pelekanou said Thursday.
A total of 33 lawmakers voted for the resolution, while 17 abstained, Pelekanou told RIA Novosti.
"Members of Democratic Rally party abstained," she noted.
Since 2014, relations between Russia and the European Union deteriorated amid the crisis in Ukraine. Brussels, Washington and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions since Crimea became part of Russia in 2014 and for Moscow's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability.