Kallas: "Do not give Moscow the right to appoint the negotiator."

"Giving Russia the right to nominate the negotiator in our place is not wise," said EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, emphasizing that Gerhard Schröder, given his past and ties to the Kremlin, "would be sitting on both sides of the table." "Schröder has been a high-level lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies. It is therefore clear why Putin wants him to hold that role," Kallas explained. "Before starting a dialogue with Russia, we should discuss among ourselves what topics we want to address with them, and that is why we have organized a meeting with the Foreign Ministers, during which we will discuss the proposals I have put forward to address outstanding issues. Because, I reiterate, the problem of European security lies in the fact that Russia constantly attacks its neighbors, and in understanding how we can effectively prevent it. That is why we need concessions from the Russian side as well. Just last week, I was in Moldova, where, for example, there are Russian troops. The withdrawal of their troops could be one of the conditions to ensure stability and security in the region. But of course, there are many questions about what our demands are of Russia in order to have a stable and peaceful Europe." "I expect a political agreement on sanctions against violent settlers," Kallas also said, specifying that the Franco-Swedish proposal to halt trade with settlements in occupied territories will also be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council, but that it also requires a proposal from the Commission. "At the moment, there is none," she emphasized. "We are proceeding with the restoration of the cooperation agreement with Syria," which has been in force since 1978 and suspended in 2011. During the first high-level EU-Syria political dialogue, scheduled for today, "we will discuss how we can help Syria strengthen its institutions and all those issues related to what Damascus needs for the 'proper functioning of the country.'" Among the topics on the agenda, the EU's foreign policy chief mentioned "concerns related to refugee camps in Syria," but also "the institutional development of Syria" because, she explained, "without institutions, you cannot have a country that truly functions." "For us," she emphasized, "it is important that all minorities are taken into consideration in the government," and "that is why we are also offering our help in drafting the constitution and the various laws necessary so that they can actually have elections. But of course, there is a lot of work to be done." Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA