02/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - If, so far, the EU has been able to play a determining role in favour of pacifying the Russian-Georgian conflict, it is first and foremost because it has a “very strong presidency” and also a president-in-office of the European Council, Nicolas Sarkozy, who immediately took the matter in hand, said Alain Lamassoure (EPP-ED, France) speaking to reporters in Brussels. It is not certain that the previous Slovenian Presidency or the next Czech Presidency could have acted or will be able to act in the same way, he commented, stressing how important it is for the Lisbon Treaty to swiftly enter into effect to strengthen the EU's CFSP instruments. Mr Lamassoure, who also noted the relative passiveness shown by Javier Solana in this matter, also said that the Council of Europe should act against Russia should Moscow not fully accept implementation of the six-point plan signed by all parties. (H.B.)