Italian Region of Lombardy Recognizes Crimea as Part of Russia

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

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

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

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

After the resolution in Veneto was 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