EU-Russian talks end in acrimony

[Eugene]

Source: BBC News

Last Updated: Friday, 18 May 2007, 15:01 GMT 16:01 UK

EU-Russian talks end in acrimony

The leaders of the European Union and Russia have traded sharp
criticism over human rights, at a summit that exposed the
divisions between the two sides.

German chancellor Angela Merkel expressed alarm at the detention
of activists intending to protest against the Russian government.

Vladimir Putin retorted that Estonia's ethnic Russians were being
persecuted.

Correspondents said the exchanges just illustrated the souring
mood between the EU and its eastern neighbour.

-snip-

In a break with previous practice, no joint declaration was
prepared before the summit at Volzhsky Utyos government resort,
near the Russian city of Samara.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6668111.stm

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Source: The Guardian

1.45pm update
EU voices concern over Russian opposition arrests

Luke Harding in Samara
Friday May 18, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

The Kremlin today sent a signal of open defiance to the west as
several opposition figures were arrested and western journalists
detained as they attempted to fly to a summit between Russia and
the EU.

Police held Garry Kasparov - the former world chess champion and
a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin's regime - as he tried to board a
flight from Moscow to the southern city of Samara.

Mr Kasparov was due to lead a demonstration by the Other Russia,
a coalition of anti-Kremlin groups. They were protesting on the
margins of the summit, hosted by Mr Putin and attended by the
German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and other EU leaders.

Ms Merkel immediately voiced concerns that the Russian authorities
were blatantly attempting to restrict freedom of speech.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/russia/article/0,,2082933,00.html

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Also: Russian Chess Great Stopped at Airport - AP

[MGKrebs]

1. I thought they went on a moonlit boat ride together on the Volga?

Putin must not have the charm he thinks he does.

[Laughing Mirror]

2. Either that or Merkel's found herself a new beau

[MGKrebs]

3. Oh my! That's a lot of touching.

Sarkozy better watch his back!

[TheLastMohican]

4. The problem is

Russia is getting stronger with every year, and Europe still thinks it can shove all its demands down the throat of emerging Russia.

Something tells me that EU officials will soon weep with joy about "Putin-The Democrat" when the next guy takes his place.

[hogwyld]

5. The EU better hurry up and latch on to mother Russia

and be done with the pariah nation this is a falling star. (U.S)