Holland and Britain reject economic sanctions on Russia

British Foreign Secretary William Hague and NetherlandsForeign Minister Frans Timmermans said today that they don’t believe that it isnecessary to impose economic sanctions on Russia due to its position in Ukraine butrather called for preparing a series of measures that could be taken against Russia ifthey become necessary.Upon arrival in Athens to take part in a meeting with his EU counterparts,Timmermans said he didn’t agree on reaching the stage of economic sanctions,adding that the effect of the steps taken so far isexceedingwhatpeoplesometimessee.He noted that the direct foreign investment in Russia had been harmed since theimplementation of the first sanction package which had been less strong.For his part the British Foreign Secretary said It’s very important for us to remain strong and united about the sanctions that we have implemented againstindividuals in Russia and Crimea, and to prepare more far-reaching measures if theybecome necessary.