Brussels, 12/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels last week, the EU and Russia held their second technical consultation meeting on human rights. The consultations were launched under a decision made at the EU/Russia Council of November 2004, with the first meeting being held on 1 March 2005 in Luxembourg. Senior Russian and European officials discussed the internal human rights situation in the EU and Russia and various international human rights issues like reforming the United Nations and preparations for the annual UN General Assembly's Third Committee, and cooperation with United Nations' Special Mechanisms. A British Presidency press release explains that the meeting also looked at implementation of decisions and recommendations of the Council of Europe (Gil-Robles report, ECHUR judgements, Protocols), and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The EU raised specific concerns about the human rights situation in Russia, notably the situation in Chechnya, the situation of human rights defenders, including specific cases, the independence of the media and freedom of speech, and other issues. Russia expressed concerns about the situation of people belonging to minorities in the EU, particularly Russian speakers in Baltic States. The EU recalled the full compliance with Copenhagen criteria by the Member States, including the Baltic States. the Copenhagen criteria include minority rights. The EU noted the importance of promoting the integration of person belonging to minorities as the best way of guaranteeing the protection of human rights and the protection of people belonging to minorities. Both sides raised the phenomena of racism and xenophobia and recognised the importance of NGOs in promoting respect for human rights. 'Discussions were productive and held in a friendly atmosphere,' explained the British Presidency. The next round of consultations will be held early next year.