Civil Liberties in Russia

The European Parliament today voted for a resolution on the outcome of the 31 May - 1 June Russia - EU summit in Rostov. Explaining the vote, Green MEP Werner Schulz, Vice-Chairman of the EU-Russia Delegation of the European Parliament, said:

"The debates and discussions about the Summit in Rostov during the last few days showed clearly that the atmosphere between Russia and the EU has at least improved and that a constructive and pragmatic approach exists. However, no tangible results were achieved during the summit.

When speaking about the Modernization Partnership, which is targeted by the European Union, or visa liberalization, which Russia is particularly interested in, issues such as human rights or the rule of law have to be an essential part of all joint agreements and can not be allowed to be marginalized. The ones who call for visa free travel outside of Russia should also guarantee freedoms inside their own country. The modernization of Russia requires a free society."

Also commenting on the summit, Green MEP and chairwoman of the European Parliament subcommittee on human rights, Heidi Hautala added:

"Despite the shortcomings of the summit and the resolution, I am pleased that the Parliament has today nevertheless insisted that the Russian authorities put an end to violence against human rights defenders and to combat impunity for violence in the North Caucasus"