Brussels, 19.07.2004 (Agence Europe) - EU Agriculture Ministers decided on Monday in Brussels to support the European Commission in its effort to go as far as possible with talks at technical level with the Russian party with a view to concluding a veterinary agreement before envisaging a more political approach to the issue when the time comes. France did not therefore obtain satisfaction regarding the request it made in June calling for the Council to adopt a powerful political message at this stage to encourage Russian authorities to step up cooperation (EUROPE of 23 June 2004, p.6). The Dutch Presidency felt that such a political signal could be contemplated, if necessary, during the informal meeting of European Agriculture Ministers from 5 to 7 September. In the meantime, some messages have already been sent by the Presidency: - In the context of preparations for the EU/Russia summit of 11 November, the Dutch Foreign Minister plans to insist, on 21 July, on the need to reach an agreement in this area (before the buffer date of 1 October). Furthermore, Dutch Agriculture Minister Cees Veerman pointed out that he would send a letter to his Russian counterpart inviting him to forge ahead in these difficult negotiations.