EU keen to resume Russian dialogue

EU keen to resume Russian dialogueThe fact that Europe and Russia need each other economically, especially as the global financial crisis reorders priorities, is obvious as the European Union (EU) said Monday that it would resume negotiations with Russia that it had halted during Russia’s war with Georgia.

On September 1, EU leaders decided to postpone the talks indefinitely after Russia, responding to a Georgian attack on the pro-Moscow enclave of South Ossetia, invaded Georgia, and then recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Ever since the talks were suspended, France, Germany, Italy and other western European states have pressed for a return to normal, saying the overall relationship with Moscow is too important to be overlooked.

In a significant step toward normalizing ties with Moscow, the EU has shown its readiness to reopen talks with Russia on a long-term partnership agreement. Russia supplies a considerable portion of Europe’s energy needs – thereby earning from the energy exports - and many Europeans fear that makes them vulnerable to Kremlin pressure.  

The EU’s external relations commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said the next round of partnership talks could be held after November 18, when Russian and Georgian officials are scheduled to meet in Geneva.

Improved relations with Russia, a member of the Group of 8, may help broader European objectives of reshaping global financial structures. The issues expected to be discussed when talks resume are energy security, trade, and cooperation on security and combating terrorism.

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