Brussels, 10/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - At the end of a debate, the General Affairs Council (GAC), chaired by French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine called on the European Commission to return to preparing the Indicative Tacis Programme for Russia, basing it on support for institutional and economic reforms. At the same time, the GAC reiterated its stance over Chechnya. Here is the text in full of the Conclusions adopted on Monday (unofficial transslation):
"On the basis of the conclusions of the European Council of Feira, the Council had an in-depth discussion on the European Union's relations with Russia. It took note with interest of the political and economic reform programmes presented by the Russian authorities and hoped that the undertakings made in it would be fully implemented. On the basis of reflections begun at the GAC of 10 April and the Feira Conclusions, the Council considers that the time has come to recall the importance of the guidelines defined in the framework of the common strategy in order to allow for the development of the EU's strategic partnership with Russia on the basis of shared values. This cooperation needs organising with the priority objective of supporting a rule of law meeting the democratic requirements of a modern economy and benefiting Russian society as a whole. The next EU/Russia summit will be an important step in this process of reinforcing the long-term effectiveness of EU cooperation with Russia. The work plan for implementing the common strategy - whose major outlines were presented by the Presidency - will be directed at supporting institutional and economic reforms, as well as at actions undertaken regarding democratisation, the strengthening of civil society as well as the protection and development of the independent media.
The Council called on the Commission to return to preparing the Indicative Tacis Programme for Russia, covering the years 2000-2003 and prepare a proposal for a targeted Tacis action prgramme for the year 2000 relating to support for the aforementioned political, economic and social reform processes. In addition, in view of the evolution of the situation in Russia, as well as the results of the work carried out by the Commission and different Council bodies on the long-term direction of the partnership with Russia, the Council will take further decisions on the direction cooperation with Russia will take and the use of the available instruments.
The EU's will to develop a long-term relationship with Russia means a confident and demanding dialogue that must be based on shared values, especially the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU remains concerned at the situation in Chechnya and will therefore continue to raise this issue in the framework of its dialogue with Russia. It will be vigilant over Russia's respect of its commitments, notably the setting up of independent enquiries into human rights violations and the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and reminds Russia of the obligations incumbent on it in the framework of the Council of Europe and the OSCE. The EU attaches special importance to the rapid return of the OSCE Assistance Group to Chechnya in view of fully carrying out its mandate. In the light of recent events in Chechnya, the EU recalls its attachment to Russia's territorial integrity, as well as its condemnation of terrorism and the indiscriminate use of force. The Council emphasises that only a political solution will allow for a sustainable settlement".