Brussels, 10/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution adopted on Thursday ahead of the EU-Russia summit in Samara on 18 May 2007, MEPs recommend that Europeans should speak with one voice and demonstrate solidarity against Russia. More critical, the ALDE and Greens/EFA groups did not support the resolution on Russia, which notes in the version that was adopted, that Russia remains an important partner for the EU for the constitution of strategic cooperation both economically and commercially, and also on the international stage. The MEPs call for the adoption as soon as possible of a negotiating mandate for talks with Russia and the opening of negotiations without further delay, adding that unity and solidarity among EU member states was important, particularly in terms of the Russian embargo on Polish meat and recent events in Estonia.
Discussions on human rights are continuing, and human rights should be one of the key principles of any commitment made with Russia rather than simply being a side issue, explain the MEPs, who are extremely concerned about the situation regarding democracy, freedom of speech and the right of civil society and citizens to hold the Russian authorities to account. The repression of peaceful demonstrations in Saint Petersburg and Moscow, and the use of torture in Chechnya, are examples of Russia's violation of its international obligations, also illustrating a social and political polarisation and the restriction of democratic freedoms ahead of the December 2007 general elections and the March 2008 presidential elections, notes the resolution.
Cooperation with Russia is, however, 'indispensable' for peace, stability, security, international counter-terrorism and combating extremist violence, both in terms of the EU's immediate neighbours (Ukraine and Belarus) and in terms of smouldering conflicts (Upper-Karabakh, Moldova and Georgia). The MEPs urge all parties to enter dialogue on the US anti-missile shield project in the Czech Republic and Poland, and to stop putting off the decision on the final status of Kosovo based on the Ahtisaari monitored independence plan.
When it comes to energy, the EU-Russia partnership should incorporate interdependence and transparency, along with fair access to infrastructure and investment, explain the MEPs, calling for the principles of the Energy Charter and the transit protocol to be included in the future partnership deal. Exchange of information about advanced energy technology, contact among key industry players, and cooperation on non-CO2 emitting technologies are also included on the wish list.
During the debate on Wednesday (see EUROPE 9423), the MEPs highlighted the need for EU unity with regard to Moscow and what some MEPs described as Moscow's imperialist policy and others described as a policy of intimidation. The summit will be an opportunity to demonstrate EU solidarity with Estonia and Poland and will be a test for the EU's common foreign and security policy. It will also stress the mutual dependence of both partners, which will need to avoid confrontation without avoiding issues of fundamental freedoms.
Hanna Foltyn-Kubicka (UEN, Poland) called for unity and solidarity from the EU to pass the test imposed by Vladimir Putin, criticising Russia's perfectly planned game of trying to see how far Europe was prepared to go. We want cheap gas and petrol and we all want it, explained Esko Seppänen (GUE-NGL, Finland) resuming the dilemma facing member states when it comes to Russia's attempts to divide them. We are afraid of Russia and yet at the same time, it is indispensable, explained Bastiaan Belder (IND-DEM, the Netherlands). Gunnar Hökmark (EPP-ED, Sweden) said it had to be very clearly stated that the EU is in solidarity with any of its members when its members are threatened, adding that if we did not defend the independence of the Estonians, we would lose our own independence. While the EU needs Russia, it is also true that Russia needs EU aid to update its infrastructure, develop trade and so on, added Reino Paasilinna (PES, Finland), wanting to make use of this lever to discuss democratic development in the country. The same tack was taken by other MEPs, like Charles Tannock (EPP-ED, UK) who said democracy, human rights and freedom of the media had to be respected. The president of the EP's foreign affairs committee, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski (EPP-ED, Poland), said the partnership with Russia should not be built at any price and certainly not at the price of the sovereignty of member states. He said it was important to avoid being complacent or being fobbed off with pretence, and also to avoid simply concentrating on economic issues. Above all, he said, it was no good trying to divide member states among themselves, certain that the EU would pass the test. (ab)