Italian Region of Lombardy Joins Liguria and Veneto in Recognizing Crimea as Part of Russia

The Regional Council of Lombardy adopted a non-binding resolution calling on to recognize Crimea as part of Russia and lift sanctions against Russia, Il Giorno reports.

The resolution was initiated by Euro-sceptic party Lega Nord and supported by Forza Italy, Brothers of Italy Alliance and Five Star Movement. Democratic Party and Civic Pact counter voted the decision.

The resolution empowers Regional Council of Lombardy to cooperate with Italian government for the restoration of dialogue with Russia, advocate for changing the EU policy towards Russia, promote the idea of lifting sanctions against Russia, and encourage Italian government to condemn EU policy on non-recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.

On June 29 and May 18, the similar resolutions were adopted in Liguria and Veneto regions, respectively.

After resolution in Veneto had been adopted, the Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the country did not recognize the Crimean "referendum" in March 2014 and supported sanctions against Russia until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented.

Source: Ukrayinska Pravda