EU negotiates strategic partnership with Russia

EU negotiates strategic partnership with Russia

Posted: October 20, 2004

Russia and the EU continued their talks on Tuesday (19 October) on a strategic partnership to be signed at the biannual EU Russia summit next month.

In preparation for the summit on 11 November, the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, yesterday met Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot, EU Commissioner Chris Patten and Javier Solana, the EU’s foreign policy representative.

The EU has offered Russia a "most favoured nation" status, which ensures that Russia's exports benefit from the lowest possible EU tariffs, according to the Dutch EU Presidency.

That tariff reduction means a direct benefit of €300 million a year to Russia.

According to the Moscow Times, the deal negotiated will include four areas: trade and EU investments in Russian transport, telecommunications and energy projects; cooperation in law enforcement and non-proliferation issues; settling border disputes with new EU members Estonia and Latvia; and negotiations for visa-free travel for Russians in Western Europe.

One of the sticky points in negotiations is the EU’s ability to act on events in areas such as Moldova, Chechnya and Georgia, which Russia sees as its own business.

The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him and say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army-your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops-the many nations with you. (Ezekiel 38:1-6)