MEPS call on EU leaders to condemn 'Russian intimidation'

European parliament deputies have urged EU leaders to be ‘unequivocal’ in their response to Russia’s unilateral recognition of the two breakaway regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s emergency Brussels summit of leaders of 27 EU states, the deputies insist Moscow should be condemned in the strongest possible terms over its action.

Spearheading the attack was French MEP Joseph Daul, leader of the centre-right EPP-ED group, parliament’s largest, who “strongly condemned” Russia's decision to recognise the independence of the two regions.

He said he “deeply regrets” statements by Russian president Dmitry Medvedev making explicit reference to the risk of a "new Cold War" between Russians and Europeans.

This, said Daul, puts the “responsibility of the maintenance of mutual strategic relations" on the EU’s shoulders.

"Our group is in favour of an open and frank dialogue between Russia and the EU. This will not be possible if the Russian leaders continue to carry out a policy of intimidation and ostracism," said Daul.

Dutch Socialist deputy Jan Wiersma, deputy leader of the Socialist group, said he expects "clear language" from EU leaders about the protection of Georgia's "territorial integrity", on demands for the withdrawal of Russian troops and "restoration of the situation that existed before 8 August."

He also expects the summit to provide a "concrete offer" of help to Georgia and that the EU will "maintain the unity it has shown on the issue" and hopes it will support PES calls for an international inquiry into recent events.

Gary Titley, leader of the UK Socialist delegation, hopes the EU will "speak with one voice" in its response and "not allow Moscow to bully us."

He added, "First and foremost and in light of Russia's remarkable ability to divide and rule, I am looking to the EU to show some unity.

"Russia must abide by the terms of the ceasefire and realise that although the EU needs Russian energy, Russia also needs the EU."

UK Tory MEP Charles Tannock, said, “Brussels leaders must clearly affirm that Russia's disproportionate aggression will be met with serious consequences from the international community.”

Tannock, his party’s foreign affairs spokesman in parliament, is calling for EU leaders to “show their support for Georgia's free market democracy” by backing NATO membership, increasing aid for reconstruction and pressing ahead with visa facilitation and free trade agreements.

“In contrast, EU member states - particularly the UK - should review their visa facilitation arrangements for Russian nationals, cut Russia's aid, suspend partnership and cooperation agreement negotiations, and review Russia's G8 membership,” he said.

Tannock added, "Russia's disproportionate aggression against Georgia has overstepped the mark, and the EU must be unequivocal in its response. Russia responds to strength, and unless we take a firm line with the Kremlin now, we may regret it later.

"The EU must now flesh out its proposal for a common external energy security policy in order to reduce overdependence on Russian oil and gas."

"The EU must not forego this opportunity to use all the diplomatic and financial tools at its disposal to assist the reconstruction efforts in Georgia, and to make the Kremlin realise that aggression towards its neighbours will be met with a united response on both sides of the Atlantic."

Further condemnation of Moscow came from GUE leader Francis Wurtz, who said, “We condemn the unilateral recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by the Russian authorities.”

The veteran MEP added, “Kosovo is in all our memories.  It is time to change course and explore all possibilities of working towards a new pan-European treaty on security."

ALDE group leader Graham Watson branded Russia’s action towards Georgia as “disproportionate though predictable.”

He went on, “The EU is ideally placed to lead the effort to find a fair and lasting peace settlement. The EU is the only player that can be seen as an honest broker who will engage the Russian bear not bait it.”

Watson said he hoped that the Brussels summit will “seize the opportunity” to reach a consensus needed show that the EU "means business."

His party colleague, ELDR party president, Annemie Neyts, said, “The opening of talks in July for a new cooperation agreement between the EU and Russia should have marked the beginning of enhanced cooperation between the two partners that would be mutually beneficial, but Russia’s actions in Georgia and continued military presence there threaten to derail this process.”

The Belgian MEP, called for the EU to play the "leading role" in negotiating an end to the conflict.

“Russia shares its western border with several EU member states as well as others that aspire to join the EU. Through diplomatic means, the EU is best placed to play an active role in negotiating the immediate withdrawal of the remaining Russian troops from Georgia and safeguarding the future peace and stability of the region and quality of life of its people," she said.

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