• This is a political forum that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats every person's position on topics equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's politics, many ideas are split between and even within all the political parties. Often we find ourselves agreeing on one platform but some topics break our mold. We are here to discuss them in a civil political debate. If this is your first visit to our political forums, be sure to check out the RULES. Registering for debate politics is necessary before posting. Register today to participate - it's free!

Italy Delays E.U.’s Renewal of Sanctions Against Russia

Abbazorkzog

Abbazorkzog

Zapatista Libertarian
Banned
DP Veteran
Joined
Oct 20, 2014
Messages
12,199
Reaction score
4,082
Location
#TrumpWasAnInsideJob
Gender
Undisclosed
Political Leaning
Centrist
Italy Delays E.U.’s Renewal of Sanctions Against Russia

The Italian foreign minister, Paolo Gentiloni, said his country’s position was “not a matter of principle,” and that Italy wanted the union’s national leaders to assess the state of the Minsk agreement before action was taken. “I am sure that we will have a common decision,” he said.
Click to expand...

Russia is a significant economic partner for Italy. The Italian energy industry has close ties to Gazprom, the Russian state-run natural gas exporter, and important Italian industries like farming and fashion have lost business because of retaliatory measures imposed by Moscow.
Click to expand...

I wonder how much further the Italian-Russian axis will go to stonewall the EU and others from keeping Russia to their word on Ukraine's east? From a quick google search 'Italy Russia', the following is what comes up:

What's Behind Italy's Step Back On Extending Sanctions Against Russia?
Italy demands review of EU sanctions extension against Russia
Italy seeks further EU discussion on extending sanctions against Russia
EU Russia Sanctions Extended? Italy Blocks European Union's Proposal To Renew Legislation Amid Disagreements
Putin's trip to Rome underscores Russia's special relationship with Italy
And it goes on.

Obviously with Italy, one of the top 10 military powers in the world, acting as Putin's lapdog things could get problematic for Europe even if the FN don't win in France. What can be done to sway Italy away from Putin's sphere of influence?
 
I think that since the whole World knows it was a USA funded, instigated, managed and continuous Coup d'etat in Ukraine. As I see this, a bankrupt Ukraine has chosen to initiate a war of choice against one of its own regions instead of negotiating a settlement. Let me peruse the choices here. Piss the Nation's monies away on a civil war or negotiate to prevent a war and save the Nation economically? Those are the only two questions. Geez, this must be complicated, why do I see it as a no-brainer. I know. There are no brains involved. War of Choice. Kill 'em all. They want to merge with Russia and Russia say No! Those sneaky devils must be up to something, even though they keep saying that negotiation is a better option. Kiev says, bigger bombs, more guns, kill those natives, because they probably won't vote for Kiev, so screw 'em all, eh?
 
DaveFagan said:
I think that since the whole World knows it was a USA funded, instigated, managed and continuous Coup d'etat in Ukraine. As I see this, a bankrupt Ukraine has chosen to initiate a war of choice against one of its own regions instead of negotiating a settlement. Let me peruse the choices here. Piss the Nation's monies away on a civil war or negotiate to prevent a war and save the Nation economically? Those are the only two questions. Geez, this must be complicated, why do I see it as a no-brainer. I know. There are no brains involved. War of Choice. Kill 'em all. They want to merge with Russia and Russia say No! Those sneaky devils must be up to something, even though they keep saying that negotiation is a better option. Kiev says, bigger bombs, more guns, kill those natives, because they probably won't vote for Kiev, so screw 'em all, eh?
Click to expand...

I'm not saying the pro-Kiev/pro-NATO forces are the "good guys". They broke the number 1 rule: Don't Piss of Russia. But now look - Russia is now a threat. We have vicious imperialists on one side (NATO) and cunning imperialists (Russia & allies) on the other. The key is to realize the danger they both pose equally and wake people up to the fact that they don't have to participate in these geopolitical chess games and don't have to pick sides.

UPDATES:

Italy's Renzi Says Russian Sanctions To Be Reviewed Next Year

Italy has major trade ties with Russia and its economy has been severely damaged by the sanctions imposed on Moscow because of its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its support for separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Click to expand...

Last week, Italy unexpectedly blocked an automatic rollover of the EU sanctions, saying the issue required further discussion.
Click to expand...

Views on migration and Russia may make Italy's Renzi odd man out at EU summit

Italy wants to maintain Russia ties despite Ukraine crisis
 
Last edited:
Abbazorkzog said:
Italy Delays E.U.’s Renewal of Sanctions Against Russia





I wonder how much further the Italian-Russian axis will go to stonewall the EU and others from keeping Russia to their word on Ukraine's east? From a quick google search 'Italy Russia', the following is what comes up:

What's Behind Italy's Step Back On Extending Sanctions Against Russia?
Italy demands review of EU sanctions extension against Russia
Italy seeks further EU discussion on extending sanctions against Russia
EU Russia Sanctions Extended? Italy Blocks European Union's Proposal To Renew Legislation Amid Disagreements
Putin's trip to Rome underscores Russia's special relationship with Italy
And it goes on.

Obviously with Italy, one of the top 10 military powers in the world, acting as Putin's lapdog things could get problematic for Europe even if the FN don't win in France. What can be done to sway Italy away from Putin's sphere of influence?
Click to expand...

Of course it couldn't be possible that Italy's un approving of the sanctions for principled reasons, they must be a Russian lap dog. :roll:
 
Abbazorkzog said:
I'm not saying the pro-Kiev/pro-NATO forces are the "good guys". They broke the number 1 rule: Don't Piss of Russia. But now look - Russia is now a threat. We have vicious imperialists on one side (NATO) and cunning imperialists (Russia & allies) on the other. The key is to realize the danger they both pose equally and wake people up to the fact that they don't have to participate in these geopolitical chess games and don't have to pick sides.

UPDATES:

Italy's Renzi Says Russian Sanctions To Be Reviewed Next Year





Views on migration and Russia may make Italy's Renzi odd man out at EU summit

Italy wants to maintain Russia ties despite Ukraine crisis
Click to expand...

To the bolded. Supporting a very un democratic insurrection by a few hundred thousand Ukrainian rabble rousers which resulted in the overthrow of the elected government in deference to the pro West Nazis is about much more than pissing off Russia.

Why the Ukraine Crisis Is the West's Fault - Council on Foreign Relations
 
Montecresto said:
To the bolded. Supporting a very un democratic insurrection by a few hundred thousand Ukrainian rabble rousers which resulted in the overthrow of the elected government in deference to the pro West Nazis is about much more than pissing off Russia.

Why the Ukraine Crisis Is the West's Fault - Council on Foreign Relations
Click to expand...

Both sides are to blame, or rather, the so-called leaders. And to the post above the above post - I said Putin's lap-dog, not Russia's. You must understand that Russia and the Kremlin are completely different animals - obviously NATO and western propaganda has you sold on the mindset of Russophobia (if ____ says Putin bad, he means Russia bad!) -facespork-
 
Abbazorkzog said:
Both sides are to blame, or rather, the so-called leaders. And to the post above the above post - I said Putin's lap-dog, not Russia's. You must understand that Russia and the Kremlin are completely different animals - obviously NATO and western propaganda has you sold on the mindset of Russophobia (if ____ says Putin bad, he means Russia bad!) -facespork-
Click to expand...

Oh ok, that makes what you said just fine. :roll:
 
(Ran out of time to edit my post).

This topic is mainly about Roman meddling with European unity, anyway. No, I am not a fan of Putin or the Kremlin, and I stand by my opinion of them - but that is another discussion for another topic (Start it if you want, I don't have the time right now).

UPDATE

Italy breaks ranks with EU to court Russia

Recent high-level bilateral talks in Rome between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the Italian leadership indicate that Italy is not entirely content to toe the Brussels line on Russia. Is Italy aiming only at protecting business interests or is there another goal?
Click to expand...

Both sides confirmed support for the Sukhoi Superjet 100, endorsed plans for the launch of joint production of helicopters, and construction of a Russo-Italian experimental thermo-nuclear reactor, while one of the agreements approved the certification of Italian technologies to be applied on Russia’s railways.
Click to expand...

It has been noted that despite the sanctions regime, Italian company Cimolai has opened a plant in the Urals city of Chelyabinsk, and another company, Gruppo Manni, has launched a production line in the Volgograd Region. Meanwhile, tire manufacturer Pirelli is expanding its joint projects with Russian partners.
Click to expand...

Report: Renzi planning to fire Italy’s EU ambassador

The news, which has not yet been officially announced, came only hours before the start of an EU summit at which Renzi is expected to vent his frustration with Europe at a time of mounting tensions between the Italian prime minister and EU institutions. Sannino has been accused of being too soft at a time when Renzi wants to play hardball at the European level.
Click to expand...

The latest evidence of rising tensions came last week when Renzi blocked a planned extension of EU sanctions against Russia for another six months. The continuation of the sanctions will now be discussed Friday at a meeting of EU ambassadors, according to European Council president Donald Tusk.
Click to expand...

Migrant crisis: Greece, Croatia and Italy face EU legal action

The European Commission says it has begun legal action against Greece, Croatia and Italy for failing to correctly register migrants.
Click to expand...
 
Abbazorkzog said:
...Are you going to have an actual discussion with me or just keep making sarcastic additions to your post count?
Click to expand...

I think a CFR member has a better understanding of the Ukraine than you. I presented it already.
 
I don't trust the CFR any more than I trust Presstv, so naturally I'm not going to read that.
 
UPDATES

Europe's Year from Hell May Presage Worse to Come

Merkel’s critics rounded on her at an end-of-year EU summit. Italy’s Matteo Renzi, backed by Portugal and Greece, attacked her refusal to accept a euro zone bank deposit guarantee scheme.
Click to expand...

The Baltic states, Bulgaria and Italy denounced her support for a direct gas pipeline from Russia to Germany at a time when the EU is sanctioning Moscow over its military action in Ukraine and has forced the cancellation of a pipeline to southern Europe.
Click to expand...

“It was pretty much everyone against Merkel in the room,” a diplomat who heard the exchanges said.
Click to expand...

One problem likely to worsen in 2016 is that Europe’s main leaders are politically weak and so preoccupied by domestic challenges that they are unable to take the necessary collective action.
Click to expand...

Without “Mutti” (Mummy), as she is affectionately known back home, the EU would be in even more dire straits.
Click to expand...

Italy's Renzi takes fresh swipe at Europe after Spanish vote

The Vatican has its dirty hands in the mess, too.

Vatican set for diplomatic clash with Italy over 'Vatileaks' prosecution

The Vatican charged Nuzzi and Fittipaldi just weeks after both journalists released books that contained embarrassing allegations about financial mismanagement of Vatican funds. The Vatican – a sovereign city-state within the city of Rome – has not disputed any facts contained in the books, but the pair are being charged under a law that was passed under Pope Francis in 2013 that makes it a crime to leak or publish classified documents.
Click to expand...

The silence of Italy’s political leaders has been heavily criticised by one prominent voice: Ezio Mauro, the longtime editor-in-chief of the Italian daily newspaper la Repubblica.
Click to expand...

Vatican puts journalists on trial amid human rights furore

The human rights watchdog, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), urged the Vatican on Monday to withdraw the charges.
"Journalists must be free to report on issues of public interests and to protect their confidential sources," the OSCE's representative on freedom of the media, Dunham Mijatovic, said.
Click to expand...

Jehovah’s Witnesses targeted by Russia's anti-extremism laws simply for practising their pacifist faith, say campaigners

Russia, Vatican to counter attempts to impose neo-liberal concepts — foreign ministry

The Vatican's Strategic Alliance With Iran

From that last link: Jeanbart’s view reflects the Vatican’s sentiments on Assad, too; it understands that Russia and Iran are critical actors in not only resolving the ongoing war, but also securing the faith’s regional survival. The Holy See’s ties with Russia are stronger than ever and Rome and Tehran’s 30 years of quiet engagement has deepened over the last two years to the point that Vatican experts refer to a “Shiite option” when discussing papal diplomacy.
Click to expand...

gaetan_popeiran_rtxq4nq.jpg

Pope Benedict XVI receives credentials from Iran's new ambassador to the Vatican, Ali Akbar Naseri (R), in Vatican City, October 29, 2009.
​
When the United States chose not to intervene and to instead, transfer Assad’s chemical weapons arsenal to an international body, the Holy See looked like a lion-slayer. The move created a bond between the pope and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is also interested in protecting Christians in the Middle East.
Click to expand...

How Russia Got Ahead of the United States in the Middle East

I could use some help getting the excerpt of the Holy See’s ties with Russia from the link just above this sentence, in fact - as the website only allows one free news article per month, if someone would be willing to sign up for an account (It's easy, all you have to do is the e-mail verification).
 
Last edited:
I like how nobody is talking about this:

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi staked his political future on Tuesday on a referendum over constitutional reform next year, saying he would consider his career in government to have been a failure if the ballot goes against him.
Renzi has piled political capital into a bill to effectively abolish the upper house Senate as an elected chamber. Renzi says this will make the country more governable but his critics say it reduces democratic checks and balances.
It will cut the number of senators by two thirds, strip the Senate of its ability to bring down a government and sharply limit its scope to block legislation.
Click to expand...
 
Abbazorkzog said:
UPDATES

Europe's Year from Hell May Presage Worse to Come











Italy's Renzi takes fresh swipe at Europe after Spanish vote

The Vatican has its dirty hands in the mess, too.

Vatican set for diplomatic clash with Italy over 'Vatileaks' prosecution





Vatican puts journalists on trial amid human rights furore



Jehovah’s Witnesses targeted by Russia's anti-extremism laws simply for practising their pacifist faith, say campaigners

Russia, Vatican to counter attempts to impose neo-liberal concepts — foreign ministry

The Vatican's Strategic Alliance With Iran



gaetan_popeiran_rtxq4nq.jpg

Pope Benedict XVI receives credentials from Iran's new ambassador to the Vatican, Ali Akbar Naseri (R), in Vatican City, October 29, 2009.
​


How Russia Got Ahead of the United States in the Middle East

I could use some help getting the excerpt of the Holy See’s ties with Russia from the link just above this sentence, in fact - as the website only allows one free news article per month, if someone would be willing to sign up for an account (It's easy, all you have to do is the e-mail verification).
Click to expand...

From that last link:

The Moscow patriarchy’s outreach to Christian denominations beyond Orthodox communities in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, and Tunisia provided the Kremlin with the humanitarian pretext for further diplomatic initiatives in the region. Perhaps the Putin regime’s biggest achievement along these lines so far was, in 2013, thwarting a potential U.S. intervention in Syria through alliance with the Holy See, which sees Putin, not the United States, as a protector of Middle Eastern Christians.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom