Russia – European Union: tactical or deeper disagreements? (Chizhov)
(BRUSSELS2) In front of about twenty journalists (including B2) invited to the Permanent Mission of Russia, bd du Régent in Brussels, the Russian ambassador Vladimir Chizhov wanted to take stock of Russian-European relations, Wednesday (22) before a Summit EU-Russia, which will be held on January 28, in a short but busy format!
Objective of the diplomat, a fine connoisseur of European procrastination: to affirm the Russian position on the " hot topics » : Ukraine, Iran, Syria, energy (the South-Stream project) and terrorism (European foreign fighters... Chizhov also warns: “the discussion at the Summit must be general and not technical”. In other words: very political and on all subjects...
Ukraine: it's up to the EU to change its position
On the escalation of violence. “The cessation of violence and the end of the political crisis” in Ukraine are among the Russian priorities, says Vladimir Chizhov. Only the point of view differs. For Russia, “The dramatic developments started when the Ukrainian President took the decision on the Association Agreement with the European Union”. As for violence, it is due to the action “extremist groups against law enforcement”. The ambassador thus calls the Ukrainian people to make a sovereign choice ».
On the protesters killed. Vladimir Chizhov is certain that the two persons (*) were not killed by "the police but hit by something". " I don't have any information that specifically says they were killed by the police." says the ambassador. He nevertheless calls for the continuation of investigations ».
On the threat of sanctions on Ukraine. « Sanctions can only be crafted by the Security Council and not by other bodies." recalls the diplomat who slips to the attention of his Western partners. "As long as Ukraine is concerned, (...) the language should not be a language of sanctions but a language of support and assistance."
Towards a trialogue? “We are not going to make a decision on the backs of the Ukrainians” specifies the high-diplomat who refers to the proposal of the Ukrainian president, Yanukovych, of a trialogue between Russia, the EU and Ukraine. “President Putin accepted it immediately, while the European Union quickly refused and confirmed its negative position. We will see if the EU will change its position at the Summit. »
Syria and Iran: tactical disagreements
Do nothing behind the backs of sovereign authorities. “We have an agreement. We don't want to make a decision at the Summit, behind Iran's back". This is also the case for "the negotiations at the Geneva II Conference which, for practical reasons, are taking place in Montreux... But it's a pretty Swiss town too" ironically the diplomat.
The humanitarian needs in Syria are recognized. « There are humanitarian needs in Syria, particularly with regard to refugees. We disagree on tactical elements but overall we agree on the same elements.
Cooperation above all. « Leaders and the summit should not be directly involved in technical discussions, but rather on cooperation mechanisms”.
- Geneva Conference 2. Europeans for a genuine political transition
- E3+3-Iran deal enters active phase
Foreign fighters in Syria: the point of agreement
Fight against terrorism. “Cooperation between Russia and the European Union goes through the fight against terrorism”. Because " it is a common challenge for all, especially against the jihadist fighters in Syria and Afghanistan”. And Russia faces the same problem as the EU. Consequently, "many weapons come from other countries and, fortunately, not from members of the European Union" confides Vladimir Chizhov before adding : “We can only fight this together. Terrorism has no borders or citizenship” remarks the ambassador who calls the European Union "to join forces".
3rd energy package: the least wise invention of the European Union
On the South Stream project. “Russia has signed many bilateral contracts with some member countries of the European Union says the diplomat who completes: several of them signed them before the third energy package”. And for Russia, the Southstream project cannot be covered by this "Energy Package". Because it is a cross-border project and the biggest part of this project is outside of European territory! » Diplomat's comment: the third energy package is not " not the wisest invention of the EU”. “It created more problems than it solved”. But negotiations are progressing. “The fact that a working group has been established shows that both sides want to find a solution…”
(*) At the time of the discussion, only two deaths were reported.
Read also on B2: Deaths in Ukraine: the European Union moves?
