| 26.01.2000 MOSCOW IS ATTENTIVELY STUDYING THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED ON JANUARY 24 BY THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION CONCERNING RUSSIA |
Unofficial Translation
Moscow is attentively studying the resolution adopted on January 24 by the Council of the European Union concerning Russia. Regrettably, it contains a number of unjustified reproaches leveled at our country in relation to the anti-terrorist operation being conducted in Chechnya. Based on one-sided evaluations, moreover, decisions and recommendations have been adopted whose realization may have an adverse effect on the state of relations between Russia and the EU.
Consistently advocating an expansion of mutually beneficial and equitable cooperation with the European Union, we proceed from the assumption that this is not only a strategic aim chosen by us, but also an objective tendency of world development today. The process of the promotion of partner relations does not exclude differences of opinion or constructive criticism. The Russian side has on several occasions demonstrated readiness for an open and interested dialogue on the combating of terrorism within the territory of Chechnya. But we do not accept any attempts of pressure where it concerns the integrity and security of our state.
The Russian side considers it irrelevant to link political differences to trade and economic relations, a mode of actions that is fraught for the European Union with harm no less than it is for Russia, which would be forced to react adequately. Competent Russian agencies will consider possible practical consequences of the decisions of the EU's Council and the need to take appropriate measures to protect Russia's interests.
As to the outstanding trade issues that still linger on, the Russian side has already declared readiness to continue talks with the EU with a view to finding their mutually acceptable solution.
Along with this we do note the readiness of the European Union to carry on the political dialogue as stated in the document. Russia is likewise open to extension of this dialogue. Its important stage is bound to be the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs' meeting with the leading "trio" of the EU at the beginning of March in Lisbon. We are confident that it is possible to find mutually acceptable outcomes without an artificial fanning of existing differences. We believe that this approach meets both the long-term interests of Russia and the EU and the task of strengthening cooperation and partnership on the scale of "big Europe."
January 26, 2000
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