Brussels, 01/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - Addressing the extraordinary European Council convened on Monday 1 September to discuss the crisis in Georgia, European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pöttering called on the EU to stick to its aim of concluding a strategic partnership with Russia. “We should maintain the aim of a strategic partnership with Russia. But our principles must be very clearly expressed in a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement,” he said.
He began his speech by chastising both countries: the Georgian President had “made a serious mistake” in undertaking military action in South Ossetia, while Russia had “breached the principles of international law” (Article 2 of the United nations Charter) “in an irresponsible manner” by invading the territory of an independent sovereign state.
He also condemned Russia's recognition, on 26 August, of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in violation of international law. In this situation, the role of the EU “must not be confined to simply that of an observer or mediator,” Pöttering stated.
On resolving the conflict and restoring peace, the head of the EP highlighted point 5 of the 6-point plan signed by Georgia and Russia on 12 August: Russian military forces must “withdraw to the positions they held before the outbreak of hostilities”. The “additional security measures” which Russian peace-keeping forces are permitted must be replaced with an “international mechanism” as soon as possible, he said.
“The European Union should support this by all appropriate means in order to help build stability and confidence. The appointment of an EU High Representative for Georgia should be considered,” he argued. Furthermore, the EU must provide the local population with the humanitarian aid it so urgently needs, and determine how and with what resources it can contribute to the reconstruction of those areas of Georgia that have been affected. “As part of the current negotiations on the budget for 2009, the European Parliament will shoulder its responsibilities and allocate the prerequisite appropriations for a large scale aid operation for Georgia,”
he promised. (L.C./transl.rt)