German Lawmaker Calls For Removal Of West's Russia Sanctions On Crimean Vote Anniversary

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German Lawmaker Calls for Removal of West's Russia Sanctions on Crimean Vote Anniversary

Western sanctions against Moscow, related to Crimea's reunification with Russia as a result of a referendum, should be lifted as soon as possible, German lawmaker Gunnar Lindemann from the (Alternative for Germany) AfD party told Sputnik on Saturday, which marks the fifth anniversary of the referendum

BERLIN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th March, 2019) Western sanctions against Moscow, related to Crimea's reunification with Russia as a result of a referendum, should be lifted as soon as possible, German lawmaker Gunnar Lindemann from the (Alternative for Germany) AfD party told Sputnik on Saturday, which marks the fifth anniversary of the referendum.

"The sanctions damage cooperation with Russia and put jobs in Germany at risk. AfD strongly opposes the sanctions against Russia and Crimea. These sanctions should be lifted as soon as possible," Lindemann argued.

The politician maintained that due to the western sanctions, various humanitarian exchange programs had been abandoned, adding that Crimean residents of German origin were unable to visit their relatives in Germany.

Lindemann also characterized Crimea as "an interesting region for western investment."

Crimea rejoined Russia in March 2014 as a result of the vote at which saw over 96 percent of the peninsula's residents backing the option. The move was, however, opposed by Ukraine and the West, which imposed sanctions on Moscow. The transition followed what many considered to be a coup to topple Ukrainian then-President Viktor Yanukovych.

Russia has insisted that the Crimean referendum was carried out in line with international norms.