Paving The Way

Biscuitman · 24-01-2005, 10:06 AM

Russia calls for more involvement in EU security and defence
24.01.2005 - 09:54 CET | By Richard Carter

Russia has demanded to be more involved in EU defence and security decisions – a call rebuffed by French foreign minister Michel Barnier, according to French daily Le Monde.

On the occasion of a Franco-Russia co-operation council on defence, Moscow said it has felt increasingly isolated from questions of European security and defence since the enlargement of the EU to ten, mostly ex-Communist, countries in May 2004.

Russia said it would like EU-Russia relations on this issue in the same vein as the transatlantic alliance, in which NATO and Russia are considered equal partners.

However, French foreign minister Michel Barnier emphasised that, although Europe was prepared to involve Russia in joint operations, European defence depends on European decisions.

This should not prevent "reinforced" co-operation between Moscow and Brussels, added Mr Barnier, especially in the fight against terrorism and working together to solve the problems of Iran and its alleged nuclear programme.

mkpdavies · 24-01-2005, 04:00 PM

Why isn't Russia allowed in the Micky Mouse club then? I though the EU wanted to co-operate with everyone?

24-01-2005, 10:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Biscuitman Uber Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 3,486	Paving The Way Russia calls for more involvement in EU security and defence 24.01.2005 - 09:54 CET \| By Richard Carter Russia has demanded to be more involved in EU defence and security decisions – a call rebuffed by French foreign minister Michel Barnier, according to French daily Le Monde. On the occasion of a Franco-Russia co-operation council on defence, Moscow said it has felt increasingly isolated from questions of European security and defence since the enlargement of the EU to ten, mostly ex-Communist, countries in May 2004. Russia said it would like EU-Russia relations on this issue in the same vein as the transatlantic alliance, in which NATO and Russia are considered equal partners. However, French foreign minister Michel Barnier emphasised that, although Europe was prepared to involve Russia in joint operations, European defence depends on European decisions. This should not prevent "reinforced" co-operation between Moscow and Brussels, added Mr Barnier, especially in the fight against terrorism and working together to solve the problems of Iran and its alleged nuclear programme. __________________ IF THE EU WAS THE ANSWER, IT MUST HAVE BEEN A STUPID QUESTION!

24-01-2005, 04:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 31,194 Party: Libertarian Party	Why isn't Russia allowed in the Micky Mouse club then? I though the EU wanted to co-operate with everyone? __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

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