Brussels, 22/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - Moscow and Brussels have still to answer a whole series of questions before abolishing visas between Russia and the EU, said Marco Franco, head of the European Commission's representation in Moscow early July. “Dialogue relating to visa issues is being continued. There have already been positive results but a good number of questions have still to be resolved before visas can be abolished”, he said at a press conference in Moscow, according to Ria Novosti. The diplomat was commenting on a declaration by the chairman of the international committee of the Duma, Konstantin Kossatchev, whereby visas between Russia and the EU would be abolished by 2010-2011. Mr Franco noted that abolishing visas meant that both parties should increase the security of identity papers, above all by introducing biometric passports and by strengthening the exchange of information between Russia and the EU. Mr Kossatchev, for his part, recognised that a visa-free regime would compel Russia to take certain measures, such as the signing of re-entry agreements with third countries. The Russian deputy did not specify which countries, adding that, at the present time, talks are underway with over ten states. Mr Franco also said that the EU hoped Russia would step up the number of work permits in Moscow and in the Moscow region for EU citizens. “The problem of obtaining permits is considerable. This question was tackled at the Russia-EU summit in Khanty-Mansiisk where the European party declared that the decision prevented foreign investment in Moscow. Mr Medvedev pointed out that he was aware of the problem and that Moscow was currently developing measures aimed at increasing the number of permits”, Mr Franco said. (B.C./transl.jl)