The EU Heads of State and Government this afternoon gathered at an extraordinary meeting of the European Council, convened by the French Presidency to address the crisis between Georgia and Russia. European leaders will assess the impact that the conflict between Georgia and Russia will have on relations between the Russian Federation and the European Union.

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

On his arrival at the extraordinary meeting of the Council, Prime Minister Janez Janša stated that, first of all, the agreement needed full support of its six points. “The implementation of this agreement is, at this moment, indeed of vital importance for peace and stability in the region. This is the basis for support for Georgia, along with humanitarian and reconstruction aid. It is my firm belief that we shall reach consensus on this today,” said the Prime Minister, going on to add that an international presence must be ensured throughout Georgia’s territory and its territorial integrity protected. The European Union will certainly adopt conclusions on its own involvement in this respect. In the Prime Minister’s words, a broader debate on the situation in the entire eastern neighbourhood is called for, which increases the likelihood of the Polish-Swedish proposal for eastern partnership being backed.

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

Regarding future relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation, the Prime Minister regretted the crisis in Georgia at a point of time when, after lengthy discussions, a negotiating framework for a new Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation had finally been coordinated. “What the Russian Federation has done, has, regrettably, set everything back,” concluded Prime Minister Janez Janša.