Reducing
Tensions
West wants to end confrontation with Russia over
Ukraine – EU foreign policy chief
Published time:
December 29, 2014 02:14
AFP Photo / Sergey
Supinsky
Western powers want to find common ground
with Russia and end their confrontational approach over Ukraine, the EU's
foreign policy chief told Italian media. She denied that the EU differs from
the US in its position towards dealing with the crisis.
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of
the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, identified Ukraine
as one of the top conflicts worrying Europe, especially regarding its impact on
the eurozone’s relations with Russia.
During an interview with Italy's la
Repubblica newspaper, Mogherini suggested opening up direct dialogue with Moscow.
“On the one hand, we
should strengthen our support for Ukraine, where the internal economic
situation could very quickly become very serious. And, on the other hand, we
should begin a direct debate with Moscow on our relations and the role Russia
could play in other scenarios of the crisis,” Mogherini said.
“Even in Kiev everyone
asks the question of how the conflict could be brought to an end,” the
official added, saying that the situation is “very difficult for
Russia.” She added that it is in Moscow’s interest to“cooperate.”
European
Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini (Reuters / Ali Al-Saadi)
At the same time,
Mogherini rejected the idea that the EU’s position on the crisis differs from that of the US.
“It is not true that
there is a soft Europe stance, which opposes the US hardline position. On the
contrary, the latest data shows that trade between Russia and Europe is
declining, while trade between Russia and the US is increasing,” she
pointed out.
Mogherini said that
Washington's views on Russia match those of Europe, adding that “everyone
wants to get out of the logic of confrontation.”
The EU foreign policy chief also
identified situations in the Middle East and Libya as major concerns for
Europe, pointing out that Russia plays a significant role on the international
arena and could help to resolve those conflicts.
“We all know Russia
plays an important role not only in Ukraine, but also in Syria, Iran, the
Middle East, Libya,” she said…
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