Russia: May review travel blacklist after EU sanctions lifted

Russia may review its blacklist of European officials barred from entering the country after the European Union lifts its sanctions against Moscow, envoy to the EU Vladimir Chizhov said on Wednesday.

"As soon as the EU’s sanctions are lifted, we will also review our stop list," Chizhov told Vesti FM radio station.

The diplomat noted that "everyone has long been aware" of the Russian list and "its appearance as a retaliatory measure in response to the European Union’s arbitrary and unilaterally-imposed restrictive measures, introduced in several stages last year, could scarcely surprise anyone".

"This is about implementation of one of the fundamental principles of international relations of all time - the principle of mutuality," Chizhov said.

He added that he was "surprised and disappointed" by the publication of the blacklist, which had been handed over to the EU confidentially, saying this "does not reflect well on any of those involved".