Russia: French MP Mariani meets with Crimean PM in Simferopol

The Head of the French National Assembly Thierry Mariani stated that "there is no logic in lifting the sanctions in Cuba, and imposing sanctions in Europe," in a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, in Simferopol, Thursday. In response Aksyonov told his French guest that "conflict with the Russian Federation will lead to no good." The prime minister continued, stating that "France and Russia have much in common," and praising the "cooperation" between himself and Mariani as being beneficial to their respective nations. The French parliamentarians are currently on a two-day visit to Crimea and are the first western delegation to visit Crimea since Russia's reunification with Crimea in March 2014. However, Mariani has emphasised that the move is "personally motivated" rather than a reflection of France's position towards Russia. Prior to the trip, the French Foreign Ministry expressed its disapproval of the visit by Deputy Mariani, who is the co-chairman of the association of Franco-Russian dialogue.