Albania backs sanctions against Russia

Albanian Defense Minister Mimi Kodheli said Saturday that Albania supported NATO allies in their stand and the sanctions against Russia.
Attending the joint Albanian-British exercise "Albanian Lion 14" at Kepi i Palit naval base, Kodheli hailed the troops for their commitment and good results during the exercise.
The exercise was not only a testimony of its own size and importance but also of the excellent cooperation between the Royal Marines and Albanian Armed Forces, which consolidated the partnership between the two armies, said the minister.
Lasting from Aug. 30 to Sept. 16, the "Albanian Lion 14" is the first phase of the Joint Albanian-British Exercise "Albanian Lion", which also includes the "Dragon Hammer 14" from Sept. 16 to Oct. 17.
The European Union and the United States imposed a new round of sanctions on Russia Friday, which came despite the fact that the Ukrainian government and rebels inked a ceasefire agreement last week in Minsk, capital of Belarus.
In response, Russia warned that it would impose anti-sanctions soon, but leaving the door open for dialogue.
"We consider the new anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the U.S. as a new hostile act," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "The U.S. increases pressure on Russia through sanctions, staking on escalation of the Ukraine conflict."