Obama Signs Bill Containing Russia Sanctions, Won't Implement Them Right Away - East Idaho News
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Obama Signs Bill Containing Russia Sanctions, Won’t Implement Them Right Away

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ABC 110413 ObamaSigningWH?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1418958100933Credit: The White House(WASHINGTON) — President Obama has signed a bill that gives him the power to impose new sanctions against Russia should he decide to do so.

A White House statement says that while Obama signed the legislation on Thursday, it “does not signal a change in the Administration’s sanctions policy.” That policy “has been carefully calibrated in accordance with developments on the ground and coordinated with our allies and partners,” the statement continues.

“At this time,” it concludes, “the Administration does not intend to impose sanctions under this law, but the Act gives the Administration additional authorities that could be utilized if circumstances warranted.”

Obama again called for Russia to “end its occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, cease support to separatists in eastern Ukraine, and implement the obligations it signed up to under the Minsk agreements.”

The U.S. hopes to foster a lasting, diplomatic solution, though the legislation authorizes both lethal and non-lethal assistance for Ukraine. President Obama would have the opportunity to decide what assistance would be sent.


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