The camp against the sanctions within the EU is growing. Cyprus has also openly joined the opponents. Putin discussed the situation in the Ukraine with Hollande and Merkel. Turkish grape growers celebrated their improved relationship with Russia and the Russian government remains positive about self sufficiency.
Cyprus votes against sanctions
Although the EU is extending the sanctions again Russia, the support for the sanctions is crumbling. Last week the Cypriot parliament voted for a resolution. A wide majority supports abolishing the sanctions. The parliamentarians are also pleading for research into under what conditions Russia will lift the boycott on Cypriot products. With this result Cyprus joins France, where the senate also voted against the sanctions, a number of Italian region, which turned against the sanctions and Slovakia, that wants to put the debate on the agenda at a European level.
Putin calls Merkel and Hollande
The Russian president Putin spoke to the French president Holland and the German chancellor Merkel over the phone about his concern about the flaring violence in Eastern Ukraine. The three countries agree that heavy military personnel should be removed from the conflict zone. Russia warned that the Ukraine would prepare a new offensive. The country is said to be increasing the troops on the front line. On the other hand the Ukraine warns that separatists are preparing a new offensive.
Turkish grape growers celebrate better relationship with Russia
In the Turkish district Sarigol, Manisa province, grape grower celebrated their improved relationship with Russia. The Russian boycott hit the grape sector last year, which caused pessimism among growers. Since the Turkish relationship with Russia has improved the growers are more optimistic about the future again. This is why they celebrated their improved relationship with flutes and drums. The growers hope that the positive steps taken will compensate for the damage among growers.Moscow expects 1,000 tonnes of strawberries
Growers in the Moscow region expect to harvest 1,000 tonnes of strawberries this season. Last year 844 tonnes was harvested from 121 hectares. This year the area has grown by 13 hectares. According to reports in the Russian media the horticulture sector developed quickly around the capital thanks to government support. According to the statistics of the Russian government 363,000 tonnes of greenhouse vegetables were harvested up to July, of which 278,000 tonnes of cucumbers and 75,000 tonnes of tomatoes.
Russia self sufficient
Russian agriculture has developed to the point where the country can be self sufficient according to the Russian prime minister Medvedev. The prime minister spoke at a party congress for his party United Russia.