| The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO supports the
formation of a Russia-EU working group to implement the proposal
to introduce a visa-free regime for trips by Russian citizens to
EU countries and is ready to render all manner of support to this
group.
A visa barrier complicated by bureaucratic procedures separates
the single European cultural, ideological and economic area, which
also includes Russia as its integral part.
Its elimination will become a big step towards mutual understanding
and trust, become an important factor in strengthening democratic
institutions and procedures in Russia and in developing that democratic
conscience that is traditional for Europe.
The performance of the working group can and should result in
the preparation of the first documents aimed at eliminating visa
barriers between Russia and Europe for the Russia-EU summit to
be held in St. Petersburg in May. YABLOKO will facilitate the
urgent implementation of a visa-free regime for the entry of Russian
citizens to EU countries, using all the possibilities at the disposal
of the party and its parliamentary faction, as well as its representation
in international structures.
Chairman of the party
Grigory Yavlinsky
See also:
Russia
-EU Relations
Press Release. February 20,
2003. YABLOKO: the visa barriers separating Russia and Europe
must be removed as soon as possible
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