Brussels, 14/04/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament supported two draft regulations aimed at facilitating transit between Kaliningrad and continental Russia. The two regulations put forward by the Commission specify the characteristics and conditions for the granting of the document facilitating transit (FTD) and the document facilitating rail transit (FRTD). These documents have been adopted by the General Affairs Council (see EUROPE of 4 April, p. 9). The report by the Dutchman Arie Oostlander (EPP), approved last week with 446 votes in favour, 13 against and 42 abstentions, suggests a few modifications. The EP, whose opinion in this matter is not binding, insists that the notion of 'frequent traveller', necessary for the granting of these facilitated transit documents be 'defined in greater detail'. It calls for the urgent development of a regulation governing local border traffic on the external borders of the European Union. The European Parliament also invited the Member States and the Commission to open a European consulate in Kaliningrad.