‘If We Stop the Oil, We Stop the War’
The EU’s sanctions package against Russia has become so comprehensive that it is almost impossible not to violate it. ‘If the goal is to stop the war in Ukraine, it should be easier for all parties,’ says Aage Borchgrevink of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Russia’s ability to circumvent EU economic sanctions is an important part […]
Russia prepares for decades under sanctions
Even if there is a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, Western economic sanctions against Russia will remain in place for decades, a Russian foreign ministry official says. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, led to the imposition of heavy sanctions. Russia has overtaken Iran and North Korea to become the most sanctioned country […]
North Korea reopens tourism in the shadow of sanctions
After five years of isolation, North Korea welcomes foreign tourists, but luxury goods raise questions about the effectiveness of sanctions. North Korea ends the lockdown that started due to Covid-19 and opens its borders to tourists. This decision will first allow travellers to visit the city of Samjiyon, located near the famous Mount Paektu. […]
Lawyers say enough is enough on US sanctions
The economic sanctions imposed by the United States have sparked a revolt in some countries. Hundreds of lawyers from around the world have written a letter to US President Joe Biden calling for an end to such sanctions. The letter argued that the US-led sanctions serve the political purpose of pressurising rival countries rather than […]
Paraguay wants US Ambassador to leave the country
The Paraguayan government has asked the US ambassador to leave the South American country, escalating tensions between the allies after the Joe Biden administration imposed sanctions on a tobacco company linked to the country. In a statement that stunned diplomats, the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry asked the US government to ‘expedite the departure process’ of Ambassador […]