Italian Foreign Minister Refuses to Ease Oil Sanctions on Russia

JAKARTA - The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Italy, Antonio Tajani, emphasized the need to maintain sanctions on Russian oil after there were calls from another deputy prime minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, who asked that the restrictions be eased by following the example of the United States (US).

Salvini said Italy and Europe should consider "pragmatic solutions" similar to the approach taken by the US. The statement was reported by the newspaper La Repubblica.

Tajani emphasized that the transport minister's statement was a personal opinion.

"Sanctions against Russia must remain in place," Tajani said, quoted by Sputnik.

A number of Italian newspapers, Sunday (15/3) described the exchange of statements between the two deputy chairmen of the council of ministers as "disputes" and even "divisions in the government."

Tajani and Salvini each lead the Forza Italia and League parties, which together with the largest party in the government coalition, the Brothers of Italy led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, form the ruling coalition in the country.

Previously, Salvini proposed that Europe follow the US's lead by lifting some sanctions on Russian oil amid the conflict in the Middle East. On March 11, he even called such restrictions a "stupid policy" when "sea lanes and straits are closed."

Authorities in the US are currently trying to bring down soaring oil prices after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Washington had previously granted an exemption from sanctions for India's purchase of Russian oil loaded onto tankers before March 5.

The policy was later expanded to cover all Russian crude and oil products loaded onto ships since March 12. With this policy, transactions involving these commodities are no longer subject to restrictions from Washington.