Parliament adopts key EU-Russia report

2.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Apr 2009

A report by Janusz Onyszkiewicz (Poland, PD) on EU-Russia relations has been approved by the European Parliament today. The ongoing negotiations between the EU and Russia on a new cooperation agreement should be used as an opportunity to raise the human rights situation in the country, improve the security of gas supplies from Russia and seek assurances that Moscow will no longer use force against its neighbours.

The report also calls on Moscow in particular to respect freedom of expression and association by introducing legislation that complies with its European and international commitments as a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE. Intimidation and harassment of human rights activists must stop

Furthermore, current negotiations on a new cooperation agreement between the EU and Russia must

not be seen as legitimising the status quo in Georgia. Russia should be asked, under the new agreement, to provide assurances that it will not use force against its neighbours.

Commenting, Mr Onyszkiewicz said: "The European Parliament has backed pragmatic cooperation with Russia, but if we are serious we must also address difficult issues like human rights, energy and security. The Members States must now learn to speak with one voice. We must press for compliance with WTO rules and to the principles of the Energy Charter, as well as to improving access to air space and navigation routes."

"I am surprised and disappointed that a substantial number of colleagues from the Socialist Group joined the far left and failed to back my report."

Lead Welsh candidate for the Lib Dems in the European Elections, Alan Butt Philip, added: "History teaches us that nothing riles the Russian bear more than turning our backs to her and so it is in the interests of both Russia and the EU to communicate, cooperate and trade in ways that build trust.

"Equally, it's dishonest to pretend that Russia's conduct is beyond reproach. We must build bridges but we must not be uncritical of things that are unspeakable. Furthermore, it is not only morally wrong, but politically incoherent for some in this house to make excuses for Russia now that she is moving towards the authoritarian right."