Opposition: cut all trade ties with Russia

MPs will soon be voting on a bill that seeks to authorise sanctions against Russia.

But opposition leaders do not want to wait, pushing for the government to cut all trade ties with Russia immediately.

Tjóðveldi leader Høgni Hoydal wants the Faroes to immediately cut all export and import ties with Russia instead of passively waiting for an initiative from NATO and the EU.

“Our trade with Russia amounts to 25 percent of our total exports, which of course is an awful lot,” he says.

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“But it’s the right thing to do, and it would also give other countries something to think about.”

Fellow opposition party Javnaðarflokkurin shares this view. Sjálvstýri and Framsókn say they agree in principle, although they have some minor reservations on the issue.

Foreign minister Jenis av Rana says the government’s stance on sanctions remains unchanged.

“Ever since the start of this war, we have said that we will be acting in line with NATO and EU policy with regards to sanctions against Russia.”

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The minister says that sanctions will be introduced but adds that the Faroes will not spearhead sanctions on Russia.

”We’re keeping a close eye on what the EU, Norway and the UK are doing, and none of them have yet introduced trade embargoes on food products.”

Christian Andreasen, the new leader of government party Fólkaflokkurin, says this is a complicated issue.

He echoes the minister’s view, adding however that careful deliberation is required before any substantial decisions are made regarding fisheries relations with Russia.

Jenis av Rana says he will consult with Parliament and the Foreign Affairs Committee if he is granted the authority to impose sanctions.

Read the Faroese versions of this article here and here.

Translated by prosa.fo.

More Faroese News in English.