By Matt Williams - 27th August 2008
Our political group is in favour of an open and frank dialogue between Russia and the European Union
EPP-ED leader Joseph Daul
Source: EPP-ED press release
Date: 27 August 2008
The head of parliament’s EPP-ED Group has spoken out strongly against Russia 's decision to acknowledge the independence of the two breakaway regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Joseph Daul said that he “deeply regrets” the recent statements from Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, which refer to the possibility of a “new cold war” between Russia and the EU.
"Our political group is in favour of an open and frank dialogue between Russia and the European Union. This will not be possible if the Russian leaders continue to carry out a policy of intimidation and ostracism," he said.
Russia issued a decree on Tuesday to recognise the independence of the two regions, a decision strongly opposed by the EU, with the UK calling for a European coalition to counter Russian “aggression”.
