Luxembourg, 26/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, in Luxembourg, the General Affairs Council adopted a decision concerning the implementation of Joint Action 1999 relating to the EU cooperation programme for non-proliferation and disarmament in the Federation of Russia. The decision provides for the inclusion in the programme of projects on: - support to the Russian Nuclear Safety Authority for developing the regulatory basis and documents for the disposition of weapons grade plutonium; - support for studies concerning MOX fuel; - a cooperative feasibility study for immobilisation of Russian waste containing weapons grade plutonium; - support to the Russian Ammunition Agency to fulfil the Russian Federation's responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention; - and support for infrastructure-building related to the destruction of nerve gases stored at the Shchuch'ye site.
The Council also adopted conclusions concerning the rule of law, public institutions and civil society in Russia. Further to the conclusions of the European Council in Gothenburg, the Council recognises the substantial progress made by Russia over the last decade but notes that considerable deficiencies still remain. This includes application of the legislation and the working of the public and mainly judicial institutions, as well as the independence of the media, notes the Council, which also calls for abolition de jure of the death penalty. The Council stresses the need to promote joint action of the EU and Council of Europe where appropriate. It also restates its concern about the political situation in Chechnya. In addition to an appeal in favour of a political solution to the conflict, the Council stresses the need to pursue inquiries into violations of human rights with a view to taking those responsible before the courts.