| Businessweek | - |
WASHINGTON
(AP) - The U.S and major allies strained on Monday to rally a strong
Western front to persuade Russia to step back from a military takeover
of Ukraine's strategic Crimea region.
U.S. moving fast on possible sanctions over Ukraine
updated 5:53 PM EST, Mon March 3, 2014
Obama: Russia can't violate principles
Over the weekend, the
Treasury Department and other officials began drafting possible language
for sanctions that would, if imposed, take the form of a Presidential
Executive Order.
That means they would not need congressional approval.
Officials caution no
decision has been made on whether to impose sanctions against Russia for
its military moves in Crimea that Obama says violate international law.
Officials note the United
States has already taken several diplomatic steps in the past few days.
These include suspending preparations for the annual G8 summit of the
world's industrial powers, which is scheduled for the Russian Olympic
venue, Sochi, in June.
Obama looking to give Putin a way out?
Graham: Obama is 'weak and indecisive'
How will Ukraine affect Obama?
The Obama administration
also has canceled trade and energy talks and has withdrawn the American
delegation for the Paralympics in Sochi.
One official said decisions are "expected very soon" on sanctions and it could be a "pretty fast process."
But that official added
"people have to decide what we are really going to do" and,
additionally, there are a number of factors Obama has to consider.
"We have to look at where
the Europeans are, how much you want to lean forward and how much you
want to keep in reserve," the official said.
Some European allies, particularly Germany and France, are balking at sanctions before giving diplomacy a chance.
"But four days ago we
weren't even having this decision with them and now we are. So a lot can
happen in four more days," another senior administration official said.
The official said the administration is "a step shy" of having an executive order ready to go for the President's signature.
Right now the administration is deliberating who to target, the official said.
Because the U.S.
response would be in response to Russia's military activities in Crimea
and moves toward separatism, the official said top Russian government
and military officials would likely be targets, as could
Russian-speaking separatists in Ukraine.
But Russian companies and businessmen are unlikely to be sanctioned.
A congressional source
said there seems to be more interest among the Europeans for 'isolation'
rather than sanctions - severing military exercises and action around
visas and the G8 -- rather than steps that could hurt Europe.
end quote from:
No comments:
Post a Comment