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EU Snubs Talks on New Russia Pact

Retaliation for invasion of Georgia

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 2, 2008 3:19 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Europe has backed out of talks on a new partnership agreement with Russia in the wake of the invasion of Georgia, the BBC reports.  The decision followed an emergency European summit in Brussels. The commission president said Europe could not continue with negotiations "as if nothing had happened." Talks will be suspended until Russia withdraws completely from Georgia, and the EU is prepared to send hundreds of civilians to Georgia to monitor the ceasefire agreement, said an official.

Reaction from Russia was swift. "It is more of a self-punishment for the European Union because this does not improve the EU's credibility as a negotiating partner," said an official. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier warned the EU and the US that further support for Georgia would be a "historic" mistake.

People form human chains in protest against Russia in Tbilisi, Georgia.
People form human chains in protest against Russia in Tbilisi, Georgia.   (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)
A pro-Georgian demonstrator waves flags and shouts slogans outside of an EU summit in Brussels.
A pro-Georgian demonstrator waves flags and shouts slogans outside of an EU summit in Brussels.   (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
A Georgian mother holds a banner during a demonstration by Georgians. The EU has pulled out of talks for closer ties with Russia in retaliation for the Russian invasion of Georgia.
A Georgian mother holds a banner during a demonstration by Georgians. The EU has pulled out of talks for closer ties with Russia in retaliation for the Russian invasion of Georgia.   (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
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Slap on the wrist for Russia
Daily Mail (UK)

Georgian soldiers had no idea what they were in for
International Herald Tribune

'Stop Russia' protesters hit the streets
Financial Times (UK)

 
NATO • European Union • Europe • Georgia • Jose Manuel Barroso • Dmitry Medvedev • European Commission • Abkhazia • South Ossetia

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