Obama warns Russia of ‘heavy consequences’ for Crimea

IMG title=”” alt=”” src=”http://www.mineralfossil.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/wpid-b7ccd20ce8d69b5264b30b088cfb158b.jpg” IMG class=hide alt=”Obama warns Russia of ‘heavy consequences’ for Crimea” src=”http://www.mineralfossil.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/wpid-b7ccd20ce8d69b5264b30b088cfb158b.jpg” (ANSA) – Brussels, March 26 – United States President Barack Obama stressed the importance of European security to the US in a speech in Brussels on Wednesday, and warned Russia against threatening international stability. PObama, who is holding talks with leaders of the EU and NATO on transatlantic issues such as Ukraine, said Russia is finding itself isolated, and if it does not change tack, it will “face very heavy consequences”. Speaking after meeting with Obama, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said that the EU and the US “have a strong and coordinated position” on the Ukraine and the autonomous region of Crimea, which Russia has annexed. “Crimea was annexed illegally,” said Van Rompuy, echoing the stance of the West. Analysts say closed-door talks between Obama and leaders will focus on how to ensure Russia feels the brunt of economic sanctions, and not Europe, which relies on Russia for roughly one-third of its gas supply. Obama announced he has authorized the export of American natural gas to Europe, lessening its dependency on Russia./PIMG id=mediaViewer title=”” alt=”” src=”http://www.mineralfossil.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/wpid-trasp283.gif”ALL RIGHTS RESERVED