DATE=4/10/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=E-U / RUSSIA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-261145
BYLINE=RON PEMSTEIN
DATELINE=LUXEMBOURG
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov has met
with his European Union counterparts in Luxembourg.
Ron Pemstein reports from Luxembourg, there were no
limits on European criticism about Russian actions in
Chechnya, but both sides expressed willingness to
cooperate ahead of their summit meeting planned for
next month.
TEXT: Igor Ivanov made no new commitments to the
European Union to change Russian policies in Chechnya.
At the same time, he told reporters (through an
interpreter) Russia is willing to discuss European
concerns and to soften possible action to suspend his
country from the Council of Europe.
/// IVANOV ACT WITH INTERPRETER ///
Russia is not planning to slam the door. In
fact, Russia is planning to continue a political
dialogue with all international organizations,
including the European Union and all other
international organizations that are open to
dialogue and are interested in pursuing this
dialogue, and interested in providing assistance
in resolving this very complex issue.
/// END ACT ///
For its part, the European Union foreign ministers
continue to deplore the great suffering of civilians
in Chechnya and the alleged violations of human rights
there. Mr. Ivanov held a brief separate meeting with
Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen, who is chairman of
the Council of Europe ministers, who meet next month
to decide whether to suspend Russia. They agreed that
Mr. Ivanov would address the ministers before any
suspension vote is taken. The Council of Europe
parliamentary assembly last week suspended Russia's
voting rights because of its Chechnya policy.
The European Union ministers described such actions as
reflecting the serious concern of European public
opinion. At the same time, the European Union
expressed its support for Russia's continued
cooperation with the Council of Europe, so long as
Russia abides by its commitment to continue dialogue.
European External Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten
says progress was made here with Foreign Minister
Ivanov on some trade issues of concern to the European
Union. These include intellectual property rights and
Russian promises to allow more European alcohol
imports.
/// PATTEN ACT ///
Even though we didn't agree on all the trade and
economic issues, even though it was not
Christmas, we had some good and solid successes
today.
/// END ACT ///
The upbeat mood is expected to clear the way for a
European Union summit meeting with Russian President
Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place on May 17th.
Next week, European Union leaders are to tour
Chechnya, to see if the situation there has improved.
(Signed)
NEB/RP/TVM/WTW
10-Apr-2000 16:58 PM EDT (10-Apr-2000 2058 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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