OREANDA-NEWS  Swedish Member of Parliament Bjorn Seder accused one of the financial capitals of the world — Hong Kong — of helping Russia and a number of other countries to circumvent sanctions. This is stated in the deputy's address to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country, Maria Malmer Stenergard, the text of which was studied by <url>.

"Until recently, Hong Kong was considered a world financial center of the highest rank, whose influence could only be compared with New York and London. Through governance based on the principles of the rule of law and compliance with international standards, Hong Kong has been a reliable partner for the whole world. But all that has changed," Seder writes.

The parliamentarian writes that Hong Kong's actions "harm the interests of international security." "Hong Kong has now lost its former role as a reliable partner in maintaining international order and stability. The United States and the international community must act quickly to adapt to these new circumstances, otherwise Hong Kong will strengthen its role as a key factor in global destabilization," his letter says.

In this regard, he asks the Swedish Foreign Minister what measures are being taken by the international community in relation to Hong Kong.

On Monday, December 16, the EU countries approved the next, 15th, package of sanctions against Russia. It is known that 54 people and 30 organizations were included in the list. The head of the European Diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, previously stated that the sanctions would mainly affect the Russian merchant fleet associated with oil transportation.