EP deplores Russian decision to develop new nuclear arms
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Brussels, Dec 15, IRNA -- The European Parliament Wednesday regretted the lack of substantial progress at the EU-Russia Summit held at the Hague in November on creating common areas of freedom, security and justice, external security and education and culture In a resolution adopted by 547 votes in favour, 30 against and 10 abstentions, during a debate on Russia in the EP plenary in Strasbourg MEPs deplored President Putin`s announcement that Russia is developing new nuclear weapons. MEPs expressed their concern about "persistent and recurring mass violations of humanitarian law and human rights committed against the civilian population of Chechnya by Russian forces" . They also voiced concern about the democratisation process in Russia, including further accumulation of powers by the central government in Moscow. The resolution condemned recent terrorist attacks in Russia and neighbouring countries and welcomed counter-terrorism cooperation measures, as long as these would not lead to an erosion of democratic rights or civil society. It said the EP recognized that Russia has a legitimate interest in good relations with its neighbouring countries, such as Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and the South Caucasus, but stressed that it should respect the principle of non-interference. 260/1416
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