Poles under pressure after EU-Russia veto

Poland will come under political pressure in the days ahead after vetoing Monday talks on a new EU-Russia pact ahead of November 24 summit with Moscow.

Warsaw has demanded greater Russian concessions on opening up energy market and gas pipelines to European investors.

The Poles are also insisting that Moscow gives a political signal that Russia will end a trade embargo on Polish meat and vegetables.

“We do not plan to yield unless there is an explicit sign from Russia,” said Polish foreign minister Anna Fotyga. “There should be no surprise that we are using the tools we have at our disposal.”

Discussions between national capitals on the terms of negotiations for a new EU-Russia agreement will continue – current arrangements can be extended into 2007.

Poland will come under pressure from other EU member states not to continue blocking talks and criticism for damaging European unity on Russia.

German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier asked whether Warsaw’s veto was a “sufficient and final position”.

“I have argued once again that Poland should reconsider its position,” he said.

Russia’s ambassador to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov highlighted Moscow’s belief that European unity on energy and other issues is weak.

“We warned our partners in the European Union of the possible difficulties they might face after the EU's expansion, two years ago,” he said. “We wish our partners the best of luck in resolving their internal problems.”

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