Cyprus Objects Introducing EU Entry Ban for Russians
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Kornelios Korneliou, said that the country believes in people-to-people contacts, suggesting that they do not support the idea of banning Russians from entering the EU, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
In addition, the Secretary pointed out that by presenting restrictive measures, the EU would prevent the contact of the Russian-speaking expatriate community in Cyprus with their family members and friends.
“We do not believe there is merit in such a decision,” the Secretary emphasised.
As for other measures, the Secretary said that additional restrictions might be discussed and the existing ones may get strengthened.
While sanctions against Russia continue to remain in place, Cyprus remains one of the top destinations Russian entrepreneurs are reaching.
Commenting on the high number of Russian entrepreneurs in Cyprus, the Secretary said that in line with the EU decisions, the country is open to welcome all companies that would like to operate in Cyprus. Additionally, the Secretary emphasised that since there is no decision on banning companies from relocating, Cyprus would be happy to see them operating in its territory.
Apart from Cyprus, Portugal has also opposed that proposal to ban Russians from entering the EU. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that sanctions should target those responsible for the war, not innocent Russian citizens.
Moreover, the Ministry said that the country is ready to take part in all meetings related to the matter.
Similarly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed such an idea too. Scholz said earlier this month that EU countries should focus on targeting Putin as well as those responsible for the war in Ukraine, suggesting that innocent Russians should not suffer Putin’s actions.
However, the same is not the same for all countries. Several of them have already tightened their restrictions on Russians.
Estonia has already stopped issuing visas to citizens of Russia. Moreover, the same has banned entry for all Russians that hold visas issued by the authorities of Estonia.
Apart from banning and no longer issuing visas to Russians, Estonia is also planning to not permit entry to Russians holding visas issued by other Schengen-associated countries.
Latvia stopped issuing visas to Russians too. The Latvian authorities suspended the cross-border deal that the country had with Russia on August 1. In addition. They also called on the other countries to take similar measures.
