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World News

Russia, EU place hopes on new ties

MOSCOW (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and top European Union (EU) leaders hope a new partnership accord will draw a line over an acrimonious year since the EU expanded further into Russia's traditional sphere of influence.

The cooperation agreement, which aims in particular to deepen ties in the economic sphere, was the centerpiece of a summit May 10 held the day after major World War II victory celebrations in Moscow.

The accord also encompasses security and humanitarian issues and aims to enhance cooperation in transport, energy and regional-conflict resolution, as well as harmonize legal standards and promote trade and investment.

The session is the first since a stormy summit last fall, when Russia accused the EU of fomenting street protests in Ukraine that brought the pro-Western opposition to power and partnership negotiations fell apart.

Tensions have risen since last year's admission of 10 new EU members, eight of them from the former Soviet bloc, and Moscow accuses the new members of getting the organization to take an anti-Russian line.

Russia and the EU also remain deadlocked over a set of linked issues: Russia's demand for an easing of visa rules, and the EU's counter-demand for Russia to take back Russian nationals and others who entered the EU illegally from Russia.

Shukan ST: May 20, 2005

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World News Russia, EU place hopes on new ties MOSCOW (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and top European Union (EU) leaders hope a new partnership accord will draw a line over an acrimonious year since the EU expanded further into Russia's traditional sphere of influence. The cooperation agreement, which aims in particular to deepen ties in the economic sphere, was the centerpiece of a summit May 10 held the day after major World War II victory celebrations in Moscow. The accord also encompasses security and humanitarian issues and aims to enhance cooperation in transport, energy and regional-conflict resolution, as well as harmonize legal standards and promote trade and investment. The session is the first since a stormy summit last fall, when Russia accused the EU of fomenting street protests in Ukraine that brought the pro-Western opposition to power and partnership negotiations fell apart. Tensions have risen since last year's admission of 10 new EU members, eight of them from the former Soviet bloc, and Moscow accuses the new members of getting the organization to take an anti-Russian line. Russia and the EU also remain deadlocked over a set of linked issues: Russia's demand for an easing of visa rules, and the EU's counter-demand for Russia to take back Russian nationals and others who entered the EU illegally from Russia. Shukan ST: May 20, 2005 (C) All rights reserved