The EU is not considering sanctions against Russia for its role in Syria but further measures against Damascus are possible, the bloc’s foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini said Monday.

“This has not been proposed by any member state,” Mogherini said as she arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers dominated by the Syrian crisis when asked about steps against Moscow.

“But we have sanctions on the Syrian regime… and there are discussions on that, for sure, (expanding) that could be possible,” the former Italian foreign minister added.

The EU is already embroiled in an acrimonious stand-off complete with damaging sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis, and many member states are reluctant to make matters worse by adding more.

“I do not think it would be fruitful if we discuss now for hours if and how and when we are going to decide on sanctions against Russia,” Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said.

“Firstly, we will not find a consensus and secondly I believe as well, that it is not the right time and it would be counter-productive,” he said.

Source: AFP