Australian PM threatens tougher sanctions against Russia

Canberra, Aug 8: Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Friday said that Australia would enforce tougher sanctions against Moscow if Russian troops crossed the Ukraine border.

Abbott made the comments after Russia Thursday imposed a ban on food imports from some countries including Australia, after western nations applied sanctions against Russia over Ukraine, Xinhua reported.

Abbott said that if Russian President Vladimir Putin allowed his troops to cross the border into the Ukraine,"you will find increased sanctions by Australia".

"We will be working towards strong sanctions. The way to avoid increased sanctions is for Russia to call off what it appears to be in preparation for."

Abbott said now that Australian personnel have left the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crash site in Ukraine, tougher sanctions against Russia were a viable option.

Farmers will suffer as a result of Russia's one-year ban on agricultural products from Australia, the EU, the US and Canada.

Abbott said if Russia wanted to avoid increased sanctions it must stop interfering in the affairs of Ukraine and supporting the separatists.

"If there is any movement by Russian forces across the border, it won't be a humanitarian mission, it will be an invasion," Abbott added.

IANS