Putin thinks EU ready to consider visa-free travel
Moscow, 21 May: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that during the Russia-EU summit, the European partners have
shown a readiness for a resolution, in principle, of the question of repealing visa regulations involving the Russian
Federation.
"We have sensed that our European partners have a positive mindset to solve this problem. We all proceed from
the assumption that fundamental human rights must be ensured on the continent of Europe," V. Putin said, addressing
a news conference on the results of the Russia-EU summit meeting in Moscow.
He added that Russia "naturally insists on the speediest possible resolution of these questions".
At the same time V. Putin acknowledged that Russia must "yet do a very great deal in order fully to avail itself
of all the rights which the EU citizens have, including in the migration area".
V. Putin said that in order to do that, Russia must "strengthen its borders and settle relations with its
neighbours on conditions which, naturally enough, are acceptable to us".
The president gave assurances that the Russian side "is resolved to tackle them (these issues - Interfax) and to
sense ["senses" probably meant] the same mood on the part of the European partners".
V. Putin also stressed that accords simplifying visa regulations reached with Germany, France and Italy "not
only do not complicate the negotiating process on visa regulations with the EU as a whole but help it".
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