Russian MFA on EU Decisions

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the outcome of the emergency EU summit on Georgia in Brussels was “quite expected” and it welcomed that “a responsible approach” had been adopted by European leaders, with no sanctions imposed on Russia.

“There were calls from some states to impose sanctions on Russia and freeze relations,” it said in the statement on September 2. “But the main thing is that [those calling for sanctions] were in a minority and the majority of EU states showed a responsible approach and confirmed their course towards partnership with Russia, realizing very well the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation.”

It, however, also said it could not agree with the EU decision to assess Russia’s actions in Georgia as “disproportionate.”

“Tbilisi’s actions, by the way, have not yet been assessed appropriately, as well as actions of those who have been supplying Georgia with arms in violation of OSCE and UN rules,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

It also said the EU decision to suspend talks on a partnership agreement with Russia was “regrettable.” It, however, added that the move was not unexpected for Moscow, because the creation of “artificial obstacles” to finalizing the treaty had been a common feature over the last two years.

“Our cooperation is mutually beneficial, and the price of it is so high that it would be unreasonable, to say the least, to put all at risk,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

EU leaders said they were suspending talks with Russia on the partnership agreement, unless Russian troops were withdrawn to positions held prior to August 7, as envisaged by the six-point agreement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry, however, again stated on September 2 that it was in full compliance with the six-point agreement and said it was ready to engage in talks on the creation of an international mechanism to replace Russian troops in the so-called security zone – an area adjacent to South Ossetia now occupied by Russian forces.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that it hoped to discuss the matter in detail during the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Moscow on September 8.