RUSSIAN OIL EMBARGO IN EU DISCUSSION PHASE
The issue of imposing an embargo on Russian oil in the EU is under discussion, it may be included in the sixth package of sanctions. However, a final decision has not been made yet, said the Spokesman of the German Cabinet.
“The possible restriction of import will be implemented gradually. Russian oil supplies will not be stopped immediately. Nobody is slowing down the discussion of the issue,” Steffen Hebestreit clarified.
According to him, it will be possible to talk about lifting the anti-Russian sanctions only in case of signing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
“There is a danger of further aggravation of the situation in Ukraine,” the official warned.
FRANCE SUPPORTS PAYING FOR GAS IN EURO OR DOLLAR
The French authorities are in favor of paying for Russian gas in euros or dollars. The French Minister of Ecology announced this.
“Russia has stopped supplying gas to Poland and Bulgaria because they refused to pay in rubles. We intend to show solidarity with our European partners,” said Barbara Pompili.
According to her, the EU ministers responsible for energy will continue to work out a common policy to reduce dependence on Russian gas.
“The Europeans have already started the relevant work,” she said.
An extraordinary session of the European Union Council of Energy Representatives is scheduled for today in Brussels.
TIRASPOL IS READY FOR DIALOGUE WITH CHIȘINĂU: IGNATEV
Militant statements on Tiraspol do not contribute to the strengthening of Transnistria's security in neighboring countries, said Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev, commenting on the statement by Alexei Arestovich, Adviser to the President of Ukraine, that the Ukrainian army could occupy Transnistria Chișinău if requests.
“The situation remains tense, especially given the closure of the border by Ukraine,” Ignatiev said.
According to the Minister, the main purpose of the terrorist attacks in Transnistria was to cause panic among the population. “Tiraspol is ready for a dialogue with Chișinău, but the Moldovan authorities must refrain from speaking in the language of blackmail,” Ignatiev said.
According to the Minister, Chișinău must understand that the policy of "blockade" in relations with Transnistria leads to escalation; it is in favor of the forces that want to destabilize the situation on the shores of Transnistria.
EUROPE REDUCES AND CANCELS RESTRICTIONS
In Italy, on May 1, the required certificates for visiting crowded places were canceled, with two exceptions. Until the end of May, sanitary passports will be required only to enter the country, and until December 31 to visit medical institutions and nursing homes.
Bulgaria has also canceled the ‘green certificates’ required to enter the country, wearing a mask is not required, there are no restrictions on participation in public events.
In Greece, anti-coronavirus restrictions were lifted until August 31. Vaccination certificates, PCR test will not be required to enter the country, visit public places. It is mandatory to wear a mask indoors until May 31.
STRENGTHENING CONTINUES IN CHINA
Meanwhile, in a number of regions of China, including the capital Beijing, austerity measures are underway to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Schools mostly switch to distance learning. Earlier, Beijing authorities ordered a massive population test, and a lockdown was announced in some parts of the country.
