Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs
Per Stig Møller in Moscow for an EU-Russia troika meeting with Russian
Foreign Minister Ivanov
Today, the Danish Minister for Foreign
Affairs attended an EU-Russia troika meeting in Moscow with Russian Foreign
Minister Ivanov. EU High Representative Javier Solana, Commissioner Chris
Patten, and Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou also attended the meeting.
The agenda comprised preparation for the EU-Russia Summit on 11 November,
including Kaliningrad, and a number of current international issues, such
as the Middle East and Iraq. The meeting took place in a good atmosphere.
"Today's meeting was a fine opportunity to discuss the preparations of the forthcoming Summit between the EU and Russia. We had a frank discussion concerning Kaliningrad, which is a question of great interest to both the EU and Russia. The Danish EU Presidency is working intensely on finding a solution that may satisfy all parties, that is, both the EU, the relevant candidate countries and Russia. The EU has shown greater flexibility on this issue than has ever previously been shown to any country. However, Russia must also be constructive and show a will to co-operate," points out the Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs. "We are looking forward to a Summit that will be able to pave the way for closer co-operation between the EU and Russia, not least in the economic area, where we hope to make progress in the endeavours to establish a common European economic area," states Per Stig Møller.
"At the meeting, we had a useful discussion of the situation in the Middle East, where the EU and Russia, in the Middle East Quartet, are working for rapid consolidation of a joint road map for the establishment of a Palestinian state within three years. Iraq was also an important topic on the agenda. The EU emphasised the need for the weapons inspectors to return as soon as possible without any Iraqi conditions and with unimpeded access to all facilities. It is extremely important that Iraq understands the seriousness of the situation and fulfils its obligations under the UN resolutions," emphasises the Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs.
"During the discussions of the Balkans, I was pleased to note that there is broad agreement between the EU and Russia on our view of the Balkans. We are already part of fruitful co-operation in the Balkans, but we hope to be able to strengthen this co-operation. Concerning Moldova, the EU called on Russia to assume a pro-active role in the solution of the conflict in Transdniestria, which continues to threaten the stability in the country. We also discussed the situation in the Southern Caucasus, where the EU and Russia have a common interest in promoting stability and security."
I also raised the issue of Chechnya, and emphasised how important it is that all humanitarian aid should reach its destination without hindrance. Similarly, the Russian authorities must prosecute effectively the violations of law and human rights perpetrated in Chechnya."