UK calls to halt talks on Russia's strategic pact

PanARMENIAN.Net - Britain called on the Union to suspend talks on closer ties with Russia over the recent events in Georgia.



As European leaders gathered in Brussels for an emergency summit, Britain, which is advocating a tough line on Russia, urged the EU to put on hold talks on a new strategic pact.



"In light of Russia's actions we should suspend negotiations on a successor to the partnership and cooperation agreement," said a spokesman for the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.



However, imposition of sanctions against Russia is not on the EU agenda, according to High Commissioner Javier Solana. The EU summit will focus on three issues: economic assistance to Georgia, possibility of increasing the number of European observers in the conflict zone and the regional initiative by Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia on establishment of peace in the Caucasus.



Each of 27 member countries will be offered a possibility to express opinion during the 3-hour summit, siteua.org reports.