07/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - EU concerned by law on demonstrations. Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton spoke on Thursday 7 June of the EU's “concerns” over the impact of the Russian law sharply increasing fines for disturbances at public events, including demonstrations and allowing more severe repression of any such disturbances. Regulations discouraging civil engagement are not likely to achieve the objective of a constructive dialogue between the State and civil society, she argued, stating that as a neighbour and strategic partner of Russia, the EU believes that the civil movement offers an invaluable opportunity for the State to engage in this dialogue. She said the EU had noted the vote in the two houses of the Russian parliament, and pointed out that the Russian president had not yet signed the law. (CG/transl.rt)