EU strives to ease tensions with Russia

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-15-2007 08:43

Russia's Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Yuri Baluyevski (L) meets with European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana (R) in Brussels May 11, 2007. REUTERS/Thierry Roge (BELGIUM)

European Foreign and Defense Ministers are in Brussels for talks to try to ease tense relations with Russia. The meeting comes four days ahead of an EU-Russian summit that's already under strain from a range of issues.

EU leader had hoped their encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit would launch a new strategic partnership much needed given Europe's dependence on Russia for energy supplies.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister, said, "I am convinced that the European Union needs Russia to resolve international conflicts but, similarly, Russia is going to continue to be dependent on Europe, so I am absolutely sure on both sides that reason has to prevail."

Talks have been planned to cover energy, trade, human rights and foreign policy. But hopes for positive results were dashed by Moscow's refusal last week to lift a ban on Polish meat imports. Warsaw has responded with a decision to boycott the talks.

EU relations with Russia have been strained not just over trade disputes, but also on other issues.

Russia's increasing control of oil and natural gas supplies is causing concern in EU capitals.

Russian-EU ties are also under further strain from differences over the status of Kosovo. Russia has recently hardened its position on the province.

On Saturday, its ambassador to the United Nations warned that Moscow may use its veto-power to block a draft UN Security Council resolution. This lays the groundwork for Kosovo's eventual independence from Serbia.

Editor:Du Xiaodan