Brussels, 15/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - Russia is an important interlocutor for the EU, but that does not allow it to ignore the human rights violations that are taking place. Even though a debate on relations with this major partner is scheduled for the March sitting, the European Parliament (EP) did not want to wait until then to ask EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Catherine Ashton about the Commission's position with regard to respect for the rule of law in Russia. With Ashton in Tunisia at present, it was Enikö Györy who spoke on behalf of the Council on Tuesday 15 February.
Györy acknowledged from the outset that democracy was under attack in Russia, with physical assaults on journalists, environmental activists and opponents of the regime, a climate of intimidation, impunity and insecurity reigns for citizens. Despite assurances from the highest level, she noted, those guilty of these violations and abuses are very seldom brought to justice, in a system where there is no independence of the judiciary. She pointed, however, to a few positive developments, such as the decision by the Moscow municipal council to authorise peaceful demonstrations, which, even one year ago, would have been banned. Freedoms of expression and of assembly are part of the federal constitution: they have to be respected in deeds, and the EU continues to repeat this. President Medvedev himself had more than once condemned the “legal nihilism” which prevails in his country, Györy stated, and she said that the EU stood ready to help Russia implement any measures that could help bring about the rule of law and also that it was ready to cooperate with the Council of Europe (for instance, in putting in place an appeals system in civil law). The situation in the Northern Caucasus remains of great concern, although the planned Russian strategy for economic and social development in the region is a hopeful sign. Human rights and the rule of law, Györy stressed, continue to be right at the centre of the dialogue between Russia and the EU, which remains very firm on this point.
The position of György Schöpflin (Hungary), who spoke for the EPP, was stamped with fatalism: in its relations with Russia, the EU has to take account of a range of matters quite outside legality and all the efforts to change the situation have led to nothing. He said that the only thing now was to find an “interface between our legality and their illegality” as a ground for dialogue. For the S&D Group, Adrian Severin (Romania), while acknowledging the faults in the Russian rule of law, called on the EU not to engage in “lecturing and finger-pointing”. In his view, it was for the Council of Europe to assess whether the Russian Federation was respecting the rule of law and for the European Parliament, strengthened by the Lisbon Treaty, to make its voice heard, but with “pragmatism and self-restraint” not just acting on allegations. Kristina Ojuland (ALDE, Estonia) was harsher: in Russia, there exists, in fact, a system of “unconstitutional law and order”, with a single party and runaway corruption. In her view, it was with difficulty that the EU should think about investing in Russia and, indeed, it ought to be considering “punitive measures” against it. One third of complaints lodged in Strasbourg relate to Russia, stated Werner Schulz (Germany), speaking on behalf of the Greens/EFA. Russia had to stop riding roughshod over its citizens' rights, he said, calling for free political parties and elections, and an independent Duma. Charles Tannock (ECR, UK) went as far as to say that it was “absurd” that Russia was a member of the Council of Europe: in his view, this discredited the whole organisation and he encouraged the UK to consider withdrawing. Only 3% of Russians believe they can influence the political life of their country, 80% say they oppose the legislation in force: this dissatisfaction is clear proof for Jacek Protasiewicz (EPP, Poland) of the extent to which democracy is flouted. We are calling for security and stability to be established in the countries of North Africa: can we not ask the same of Russia, exclaimed Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany).
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was hoped that Russia would become closer to Europe said UK Liberal Graham Watson. This wish was not realised, but the EU can still bring pressure to bear. He suggested not allowing those who hold power to “launder” their money in the EU, and not encouraging their children to study in EU schools and universities. In similar vein, Finnish Green MEP Heidi Hautala urged “smart measures” to deal with authoritarian regimes which violate human rights - she suggested freezing assets and visa bans, for example - and she wondered: “Will there be a foreign minister or two brave enough to ask for this?”
Some MEPs spoke about the partnership for modernisation, which could be a useful instrument in relations with Russia, if its content were beefed up and if it were ensured that the interests of the people would be taken into account. The issue will be on the agenda of the March sitting. On Thursday, the EP will vote on a resolution following the debate on the rule of law. (L.G./transl.rt)