Brussels, 09/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - With member states divided, for example, over energy issues, Hannes Swoboda, the leader of the S&D Group in the European Parliament (EP) has called on the EU to agree a clear stance on Russia. “I have the feeling that we are going to remain in this ambiguous position. We have to be vigilant, to have a pragmatic approach, but to be critical when there are human rights violations or breaches of WTO rules if Russia becomes a member. The rule of law is important for civil society and also for the economy”, he said in a debate in the EP foreign affairs committee on Tuesday 8 May. He also regretted that no great progress had been made in negotiations on a partnership and cooperation agreement.
The previous day, Monday, Green MEP Werner Schulz and group deputy leader Rebecca Harms called on the EU to keep its distance from Vladimir Putin, rather than trying to cosy up to him. “The EU would like to have Russia as a strategic partner. Relations of this sort will only be possible when there are appropriate fundamental values and legal binding agreements”, they said, stating that democracy and human rights must never be neglected.
Harms and Schulz criticised the “excessive force” used by security forces during the anti-Putin demonstrations on Sunday 6 May, when more than 20,000 people gathered to express their discontent. They urged the EU to support the initiatives being taken by Russian civil society and the new liberal parties.
MEP Edward McMillan Scott (ALDE) tweeted his call that the Russian government be “held to account for the repression of the demonstrators”. (CG/transl.rt)