Obama says Russia ‘acting out of weakness’, threatens new sanctionsMarch 26, 2014 - 09:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama has said Russia is acting "not out of strength, but out of weakness" in Ukraine. He also warned of the possibility of further sanctions against Russia if it encroached further into Ukraine, BBC News reports. Speaking in The Hague, Obama said Tuesday, March 25, he was encouraged by the willingness of EU countries to consider sanctions that could possibly hurt them as well. The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on Russian individuals after Moscow annexed Crimea earlier this month. Obama, who is attending a meeting of G7 countries, after Russia was expelled, said the annexation was not a "done deal" as the international community had not recognized it but admitted that "the facts on the ground are that the Russian military controls Crimea". He expressed concern about the large numbers of Russian troops massed on the border but did say Russia has the right to deploy troops on its own territory. "It is up to Russia to act responsibly and show itself once again to be willing to abide by international norms and... if it fails to do so, there will be some costs," he said. Obama said that certain sanctions discussed with European countries could "cause some disruptions to each of our economies, or certain industries" but said he was "encouraged by... the firmness and willingness on the part of all countries to look at ways in which they can participate in this process". He added that he hoped the International Monetary Fund would quickly finalize an aid package for Ukraine, adding that it was important to help Ukraine hold successful elections in May. Also on Tuesday evening, there were reports that Russian troops had seized the last remaining Ukrainian warship in Crimea. A Ukrainian defense spokesman said a Russian-flagged tugboat was towing away the minesweeper Cherkassy. The last military base under Ukrainian control in the region, in Feodosia, was seized by Russian forces on Monday. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |