10 June 2004 05:25
Russia, EU to start visa talks soon - Lavrov
Negotiations with Russia on this issue will start soon after the EU
issues a mandate on holding such negotiations to the European
MOSCOW. June 10 (Interfax) - Russia and the European Union will soon begin negotiations on simplifying visa
procedures for the entire area covered by the EU, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference
following a government meeting.
Commission, Lavrov said.
At the same time, Lavrov admitted that lifting all visa barriers
between Russia and the EU "is not a matter that can be solved in one
The upcoming signing of agreements between Russia and France and Italy on simplifying visa procedures will promote
success of the talks on this problem for all of the EU, he said.
day."
"This is a strategic goal that has been set by the EU and Russian leaderships," he said.
"We need to reinforce and equip our borders so that they comply with international standards and for the
European Union to be confident our borders are reliable," Lavrov said.
"We will not shut down the borders [with the CIS and other neighboring countries], but openness does not imply
their availability for drug trafficking and other activities of this sort," he said. [RU EU EUROPE ASIA EEU EMRG
DIP LAW] va aw
[Interfax] |
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