Russia denies objection to EU enlargement

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, March 05, 2004

Russia denies objection to EU enlargement

Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov on Thursday rejected allegations that his country was opposed to the upcoming European Union (EU) enlargement.

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Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov on Thursday rejected allegations that his country was opposed to the upcoming European Union (EU) enlargement.

After a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Ana Palacio, Ivanov said Russia "has always had a positive vision on the enlargement." The expansion will "not have any negative repercussions for Russia's economic interests," he added.

Moscow "does not agree with certain very isolated statements that it is opposed to enlargement," Ivanov insisted.

EU enlargement on May 1 will take in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Cyprus, most of whom were traditionally regarded as allies or satellite countries of the former Soviet Union.

"We will do everything to overcome the (May 1) step," the Russian minister said. "Up to 50 percent of Russia's trade with the outside world will be with the 25 EU countries."

Ivanov hailed relations between Madrid and Moscow, saying they were "getting deeper, richer and more diversified."

The two sides signed a joint declaration aimed at boosting economic, military and cultural cooperation.

EU foreign ministers last week warned Russia of a "serious impact" on bilateral ties if Russia fails to renew a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) to figure in the 10 EU newcomers.

Russia reached a PCA with the EU in December 1997, setting out the political, economic and trade frameworks with the bloc for thenext 10 years.

Ivanov was scheduled to leave for Paris to meet French leaders late on Thursday.

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