Russia might be willing to give Greece money

Athens, 30 January 2015 (MIA) - Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that if Greece sends a request for financial aid, Russia would consider it.

"We can imagine such a scenario, and if such request is sent to the Russian Government, we would definitely consider that. Given all the elements of our bilateral relations with Greece, this is all I can say right now, that if they ask, we will consider it", Siluanov told CNBC. Greece is facing difficult talks with its creditors in the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, after the new, far left Government began to abandon reforms that were part of the bailout package that helped keep Greece afloat for years.

MIA correspondent from Athens reports that this comment comes after the public outcry in European foreign policy circles that followed after Greece initiated it would not support expanding EU sanctions against Russia. New Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has supported Russia on Ukraine in past statements, while new Foreign Minister Nikos Koutzis was revealed to be a friend and admirer of Russian nationalist politician commentator Alexander Dugin.

After their debate on Thursday, European Foreign Affairs ministers, including Kotzias, agreed to extend the current sanctions regime against Russian individuals and companies until September, but dropped wording that called for increasing the sanctions, as the fighting in eastern Ukraine intensifies.

"Talks about Russia in the European Union ended with a good compromise for both EU and Greece", Kotzias told the press in Brussels. He acknowledged that the final document was amended, and added that EU foreign policy and security representative Federica Mogherini said that by defending its positions, Greece enabled the EU to reach a compromise solution. Kotzias also added that he will not act "as a Russian puppet" and that he is "not a bad guy".

"The document largely reflects the positions of the Greek Government. For example, it calls on all sides to take responsibility for their actions, while Russia is mentioned only in the context of condemnation of the separatists", Kotzias said.