BRUSSELS, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- An extraordinary
European Union summit ended here on Monday without sanctions against Russia
though the 27-nation bloc managed to speak in one voice in condemning Russia and
urging it to fully implement a cease-fire deal with Georgia.
After a few hours of discussion on the situation in
Georgia, a concluding document from the meeting said that the crisis in Georgia
"puts the relationship between the EU and Russia at a crossroads."
French President Nicolas Sarkozy (L
front) enters the venue for a special EU summit on Georgia with British
Prime Minister Gordon Brown (R front) at the EU headquarters in Brussels,
Sep, 1, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
"The European Council considers that given the
interdependence between the EU and Russia, as well as global problems they face,
there is no desirable alternative to a strong relationship based on cooperation,
trust and dialogue, respect for the rule of law and principles recognized by the
Charter of United Nations and the OSCE (Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe)," it said.
The leaders of the 27 EU members urged Russia not to
isolate itself from Europe and act for "mutual benefit, understanding and
cooperation."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L)
talks with Luxemburg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker during a special
EU summit on Georgia at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Sep, 1, 2008.
(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
It said the union "will remain vigilant, the European
Council asks the council, with the commission, to conduct a careful in-depth
examination of the situation and of the various aspects of the EU-Russia
relations."
This evaluation must begin now and continue in the
run-up to the forthcoming summit scheduled to take place in Nice on Nov. 14.
Nicholas Sarkozy, together with European Commission
President Jose Manuel Barroso and top diplomat Javier Solana will visit Moscow
on Sept. 8 to "continue discussions toward a full implementation of the
agreement on six points" with Russian leaders.
Polish President Lech Kaczynski (L)
attends a special EU summit on Georgia with Polish Prime Minister Donald
Tusk at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Sep, 1, 2008. (Xinhua
Photo) Photo
Gallery>>>
"Until troops have withdrawn to the positions held
prior to Aug.7, meetings on the negotiation of the Partnership Agreement will be
postponed," said the document.
Shelving divisions on sanctions against Russia, the
EU members strongly condemned "the unilateral decision of Russia to recognize
the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia," saying that the decision was
unacceptable, calling on other states not to recognize the independence of the
two regions.
They expressed in the conclusion grave concern about
"the open conflict that erupted in Georgia and by the violence that has trained
and by the disproportionate reaction of Russia."
The EU "is ready to commit itself, including through
a presence on the ground, to support every effort to secure a peaceful and
lasting solution to the conflict in Georgia."
The leaders agreed to send an observation mission in
South Ossetia and make substantial material and financial contributions.
They also decided to immediately dispatch a
fact-finding mission with the task of helping gather information and defining
the modalities for an increased EU commitment on the ground under the European
Security and Defense Policy.
On aid to Georgia, the EU is prepared to provide
assistance to reconstruction in Georgia, including in areas of South Ossetia and
Abkhazia.
It also decided to strengthen its relationship with
Georgia, including through facilitation of visas and the possible establishment
of a free trade area and complete depth as soon as conditions are met.
The summit said it is more necessary than ever to
support the regional cooperation and strengthen its relations with its eastern
neighbors, particularly through its neighborhood policy.
The summit decided to appoint an EU special
representative for the crisis in Georgia and urges the council to make the
necessary arrangements.
"Recent events illustrate the need for Europe to
intensify its efforts with regard to the security of energy supplies," the
document said.
