The Kremlin, Thursday (1) criticized the European Union (EU) foreign ministers’ decision to suspend the 2007 agreement with Russia, which facilitated visa issuance due to the conflict in Ukraine, and warned of possible retaliatory measures.
“This is bad for the Russians. It will take longer and it will be more difficult to get a visa,” said government spokesman Dmitry Peskov, adding that “it will also make the situation more difficult for Europeans.”
“Another ridiculous decision in a string of bullshit,” he said.
Peskov did not explain what measures the Kremlin might take in retaliation.
EU foreign ministers decided on Wednesday to suspend a visa facilitation in Russia’s interest, but did not impose a broader ban to restrict those permits.
In concessions to eastern EU countries that want a tighter deal, European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell said states bordering Russia could “take measures at the national level to restrict entry into the EU”.
However, the diplomat reminded that any measure must comply with the norms of the common area of the Schengen area and stressed that it is important that civil society members can continue to travel through the EU.
Before the meeting, Poland and the three Baltic states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania declared a possible veto on Russian travelers if the EU did not act jointly on this issue.
source: Noticias
