Brussels, 22/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - Responding to information in the bulletin of 20 July in Brussels (p 9) on veterinary negotiations between the EU and Russia, France was keen to point out that during the meeting on 3 June, Hérvé Gaymard and his Russian counterpart Alexy Gordeev, the latter had expressed his wish for the EU to provide a clear sign to be sent to Russia as soon as possible in order to progress on this dossier. This is the reason why France has requested the Agriculture Council to express its support of the resolution on the pending issues and address a message in this respect to the Russian authorities. Following this approach, carried out at the Council of 19 July, the Dutch presidency and Commissioner David Byrne also indicated that they would be going to Russia together to meet Mr Gordeev. Information EUROPE 20 July "would appear to suggest that the French approach aimed to put pressure on Russia, which are against the actions begun by French authorities on the case", underline the presidency and Commissioner.