Brussels, 23/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Representatives from the European Airport Industry (ACI Europe) have launched an appeal for closer integration of the European and Russian markets, with an appeal for the conclusion of a “single, comprehensive and non-discriminatory” aviation agreement between the EU and Russia. The agreement should replace “restrictive” bilateral agreements between certain EU member states and Russia, remove unilateral fees, such as those imposed on flights over Siberia, and create a framework for technical and regulatory cooperation between the two parties. In 2009, air-traffic between the EU and Russia stood at 10.7 million passengers and the demand for flights between Russia and the EU is expected to double over the next ten years. On 18 November in Moscow, the European commissioner for transport Siim Kallas and his Russian counterpart Igor Levitin agreed to work together in view of concluding a comprehensive aviation agreement. The timetable for completing the work has not yet been established but will probably take into account Russia's ambition of joining the WTO before the end of 2011 (EUROPE 10257). (A.By./transl.fl)