Luxembourg, 16/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - The fifth meeting of the EU-Russia Cooperation Council allowed, on Tuesday in Luxembourg, for preparations to be continued on the next Summit to be held in Moscow on 29 May. It was preceded, on Monday evening, by a dinner devoted to political dialogue, a dinner described by the Spanish Foreign Minister, Josep Piqué, as "fascinating". The EU Council President explained that both parties were able to discuss all the matters relating to bilateral and international cooperation, including discussions between the Russian Federation and NATO and the Moscow talks with the United States on the reduction of nuclear weapons. Mr Piqué and his Russian counterpart, Igor Ivanov, noted real progress in cooperation between Russia and the EU and expect "tangible results" during the Moscow Summit. Mr Ivanov spoke of "the real efforts made by Russia and the EU to amplify our strategic partnership" and declared: "We hope a joint document will be adopted (Ed.: in Moscow) on the aims of our long term cooperation". He mainly cited cooperation in common foreign and security policy, the creation of a common European economic area, and the development of energy dialogue and police cooperation. Commissioner Chris Patten explained that progress has also been made regarding Kaliningrad in the prospect of Union enlargement. A meeting will be held there mid-May in order to find pragmatic answers to the questions of visas, cross-border movements and other problems.
Speaking of the situation in the Middle East, Josep Piqué stressed the "high level of consensus" existing between the EU and Russia. He reaffirmed the need to have international legality respected and to apply the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1397 and 1402. He restated the support of the EU and of Russia to Colin Powell's mission to "bring an end to the spiral of violence and war and to move towards a political solution". "We must speak more of peace and less of processes", said Mr Piqué, urging for "global peace". "I am thinking of the Syrian and Lebanese parties", he added, before again insisting on the "dramatic humanitarian situation" and the need to ensure a media presence and to open corridors for bringing humanitarian aid to the populations of the occupied territories. Referring to Mr Sharon's declaration announcing gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, Mr Piqué said: "We are making progress, but not sufficient progress". Mr Ivanov reaffirmed Russia's association in the common position expressed last week in Madrid as well as the Federation's support to Mr Powell's mission. Speaking of the organisation of an international conference, the Russian minister said this must "not detract attention from application of UN resolutions" that "must be implemented immediately and in their entirety". Mr Ivanov pointed out that "we have also spoken of the possibilities of cooperation concerning Afghanistan, the Balkans, Transdnistria and Abkhazia".