07/10/2020 (Agence Europe) – The German and French Foreign Ministers warned on Wednesday 7 October that they would propose to their European partners additional sanctions against Russia, believing that “there is no other plausible explanation” for the poisoning of the opposition member Alexei Navalny (see EUROPE 12572/5) “than Russian responsibility and involvement”. “These proposals will target individuals whom we consider responsible for this crime and violation of international standards, because of their official functions, and an entity involved in the Novichok programme”, they explained in a joint statement. The ministers added that both countries will remain in contact with their partners on the follow-up to be considered in response to this violation of the International Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. (CG)