Brussels, 26/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 23 October, Canada called on the EU to continue talking rather than issuing threats on the difference over visas between the Republic Czech and Ottawa. “I regret the fact that Mr Barrot chose to speak of threats while the solution lies in constructive dialogue,” said Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon, quoted by AFP. Ottawa decided on 14 July to re-introduce visas for Czech nationals following a sharp rise in asylum requests from members of the Czech Republic's Roma minority, complaining of persecution. In a press release, Cannon says that he had met with his Swedish counterpart and President in office of the Council of the EU Carl Bildt in Ottawa on 1 October. In a meeting attended by Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenny, the issue of visas “was discussed in a positive way”, he noted, saying that diplomatic efforts were continuing. Cannon was reacting to comments made by European Commissioner Barrot on Friday following a meeting with European ministers in Luxembourg (see EUROPE 10005). “This discrimination (against Czech citizens) is unacceptable and, if no progress is made by the end of the year, the Commission may recommend imposing visa requirements on Canadian diplomatic and service passport holders,” the Commissioner said. “For the moment, this is just a threat,” he said, indicating that several European ministers had expressed their disquiet with the Canadian attitude. “We hope that Canada will change its stance. We want visas removed, and a sign might be the opening of a (Canadian) consulate in Prague,” Barrot suggested. “If we have to recommend the re-introduction of visas, it will be for all EU states. There will have to be real solidarity around the Czech Republic,” he said. “Consultation is continuing with the Canadian authorities and we are doing our best to avoid a visa war,” said Swedish Immigration Minister Tobias Billström, whose country currently holds the rotating EU Presidency. (B.C./transl.rt)