Sweden agrees to re-open talks with Russia

The European Union (EU) will resume negotiations for a partnership agreement with Russia and Sweden has agreed to the move. This is despite the fact that the latter has not fulfilled all the conditions in the peace agreement that came after the war in Georgia. EU believes it could achieve better influence, although Georgia is not happy with EU's decision. All the EU member-states except Lithuania said yes to the resumption of talks. Georgia says this is a mistake and that history will vindicate who is right and wrong.

Sweden and Great Britain, both of whom were earlier sceptical, agreed to open the doors to new talks, as long as it was made clear that relations with Russia is no longer as it was before. "Russia's disproportionate actions in summer against Georgia - a clear violation of international right - continues to cast a shadow over EU's relationship with Russia," writes Swedish and British foreign ministers Carl Bildt and David Milliband in a joint letter.

Both pointed out that Russian troops have not returned to the positions they had before the invasion and that there are still Russian soldiers in the strategic areas in Akhalgori and Kodoridal in Abchazien. Carl Bildt had been one of the strongest critic against Russia but he had gone along with the re-opening of talks. He defended his position by saying that the mandate for re-negotiation has become tougher. The initiators for the resumption of talks were the French EU presidency and the EU Commission.

Carl Bildt remains sceptical that any changes can come any time soon. " I have no illusions that the Russians will change in the shortest time perspective. This will stay in the agenda for a long time." The partnership agreement involves among other things trade, politics, economy and energy questions. The resumption of talks is expected to begin at the end of this month.# (Edited and translated from Dagens Nyheter, 11 Nov.)