The head of the representative office of the European Commission: The placement of the Iskander will not slow down negotiations between Russia and the EU

The head of the European Commission in Moscow, Mark Franco, said that negotiations on the basic agreement of the Russian Federation will not be postponed due to Russian plans to place Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region in response to the decision of the USA to expand about Poland and the Czech Republic. However, according to the expert, Russia's plans will affect the atmosphere of relations between Russia and the European Union.

“In fact, there are no unity among the EU member states. Some of them advocate not to violate the pause in the negotiation process, some advocate the resumption of negotiations. But we are sure that most EU countries speak out in favor of the resumption of negotiations, it is likely that such a decision will be made by the EU foreign ministers,” the expert said.

Recall that, as reported earlier, the United States announced their intention to place a radar in the Czech Republic and ten interceptor missiles in Poland, explaining this decision by protecting against a probable missile threat from Iran. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in a message to the Federal Assembly on November 5, in turn, said that Russia could place Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad Region as an answer to the environment of Europe, as well as carry out electronic suppression of anti -missile defense elements.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Mark Franco found it difficult to answer the question of whether the issue of Iskanders would be discussed at the upcoming Summit of the Russian Federation on November 14. At the same time, he emphasized that this is quite possible. “I don’t think that you expect the European Union to consider the placement of missiles between the two EU member countries a brilliant idea,” Franco explained.

Answering the question about the prospects for the resumption of negotiations on the new basic agreement of the Russian Federation, which were suspended in connection with the conflict in Georgia, the European diplomat noted that the European Commission gave relevant recommendations to the EU Council. "Having analyzed the situation, the European commission came to the conclusion that it is important to continue the discussion, it is important to continue to involve Russia in a constructive dialogue on all issues that are important for us, especially with a new agreement," Franco said.

The EU Foreign Minister will meet on Monday. As Marc Franco noted, despite the disagreements between the EU countries regarding the possibility of resuming negotiations, the European Commission is sure that the corresponding decision will be made.

In an interview with Marco Franco also touched the problems associated with the global financial crisis. According to the expert, President Medvedev will raise this issue at the summit and share with the leaders of the European Union with his proposals on how to act. “I would like to know what Russia is offering. To date, we have heard a kind of analysis, but have not reached specific proposals. Therefore, I hope that a fruitful discussion will be held at the summit, during which the positions of Russia and the EU will be compared,” Franco said.

When asked what other topics will be raised in Nice, Mark Franco replied that the summit will be carried out at the Summit, the work on the implementation of "road maps" to build four common spaces. In his opinion, there will be a discussion at the suggestion of President Medvedev on safety infrastructure in Europe. In addition, a discussion on international issues is expected - in Georgia and the Middle East. Perhaps an exchange of views on Afghanistan and Iran will also take place.

As the expert noted, due to August events in Georgia, the level of trust between Russia and the EU has decreased. But, according to the European Commission, as well as the French chairmanship and many EU member countries, this must be overcome. The main thing is that the EU and Russia are important strategic partners in many areas - in the economic, in the field of security, in the field of the interaction of law enforcement agencies, in the judicial sphere, in the field of ensuring stability and security on the Eurasian continent.