Interfax's Interview

 Could you please comment on the Russian president's decision to suspend the implementation of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty? In your opinion, what possible consequences this step may have for Europe?

 - On the Russian decision on the CFE, we need to look first of all at what the signatories of the CFE are saying. We have seen a number of reactions from CFE signatories, both those that are members of NATO and those that are not. The European Commission is not a signatory to the CFE, because, as you know, the European Commission does not have a specific mandate on defence issues.

 That said, the European Commission is watching carefully the developments on a whole range of European security issues. We certainly hope that the Russian decision on the CFE does not close the door to dialogue in this field, and that consultation will continue between the parties involved, including in the NATO-Russia Council. It is perhaps worth recalling the importance of the implementation of the Istanbul commitments by Russia on the withdrawal of military forces from Moldova, as well as from Georgia, and we welcome the progress made to date on the withdrawal of Russia forces from Georgia.

 Do you agree with the opinion of Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Kosovo Martti Ahtisaari that Russia may lose some of its international weight if it keeps blocking the UN Security Council resolution on the Kosovo status? Do you agree with many observers who think that Kosovo has stopped being a problem between Pristina and Belgrade and has developed into a point of confrontation between Russia and the United States?

 - The question of the status of Kosovo has been on the table now for 8 years, and this is the last remaining status issue resulting from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. It is important to get movement in the UN Security Council, and it's clear that Security Council members need to carry their responsibilities for resolving this question.

 The EU in June confirmed its support for Mr. Ahtisaari's proposals as a basis for the settlement of Kosovo's status. We continue to support this proposal as the best possible compromise for all the communities in Kosovo.

 The people of Kosovo are looking to the international community for leadership to resolve this long-delayed issue through effective and responsible multilateralism. While the United States and Russia are obviously closely involved in process because of their responsibilities as UN Security Council members, Kosovo remains a profoundly European question, and the EU has repeatedly underlined its support for the European aspirations for the Western Balkans as a whole. 

 Moscow and Brussels have voiced interest in setting up an early warning system for possible disruptions in energy supplies. How much have these plans progressed?

 - Trade in energy products continues to dominate the EU-Russia balance of trade, earning Russia valuable export earnings, and making a significant contribution to Russia's economic growth over the past few years.

 Over the years, Russia has built up a reputation as a reliable supplier of energy resources to the countries that make up the European Union. However, it's true to say that the energy shutdowns of 2006 and 2007 caused alarm in the EU, coming as they did in the middle of the peak winter season.

 In both cases, EU markets suffered because of disputes between Russian companies and neighbouring transit countries. One of the things that came out most strongly in the aftermath of both these shutdowns was the need to ensure timely information to customers. With this in mind, Russian and EU leaders, meeting in Samara in May, agreed to set up an early warning mechanism that would act to address some of these communication problems.

 Now that the political decision has been taken at the highest level on both sides, we're currently looking with our Russian colleagues at how to implement this decision in the most effective way.

 Some time ago you said that negotiations on a new fundamental agreement between Russia and the European Union could start during Portugal's chairmanship. What would be the secret of your successful endeavor?

 - Your reference is to the agreement that should succeed the EU-Russia Partnership and Co-operation Agreement, which is set to expire this year. The EU and Russia took an important step in their co-operation in 2005, when we both signed on to road maps in the four common spaces. These road maps give us a work plan for the short- and medium-term. The assessment on their implementation so far on both the Russian side and the EU side is positive.

 Where we have failed to make progress is on the negotiations on the successor agreement that is important for both of us in order to give an overall framework for our ever-closer co-operation. That said, while awaiting the start of the talks, the implementation of the road maps continues apace, and the extension of the PCA until such time as we have a new agreement will continue to provide legal continuity to the relationship.

 Does the European Union still side with Poland in the so-called Polish meat problem? Could you explain the claims of many European officials that Moscow is allegedly politically motivated on that issue?

 - The EU's position on the Russian ban on imports of meat from Poland has been consistent: we believe the ban is disproportionate. There is no change in this position. But we are naturally keen to better understand Russia's concerns that still prevent a lifting of this ban. Once this is done, we should be in a much better position to get down to the important talks on the future EU-Russia agreement.

 What is the EU position on the latest differences between Moscow and London over the so-called Litvinenko case?

 - The European Commission is naturally following events around the Litvinenko case closely. This was a grave and reckless crime, and the Commission stresses the importance of close and constructive co-operation between the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom. We hope that a satisfactory solution can be found so that the perpetrators of this appalling crime can be brought to justice.

More Interfax’s interviews...