EC/Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

The Council held an exchange of views on the situation in Chechnya. Winding up its debate, the Council confirmed with regard to the Interim Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation the four criteria set by the Union in connection with Chechnya: a permanent OSCE presence, a cease-fire, the start of talks for a political settlement and access for humanitarian aid. It considered that the above criteria had not been met and therefore that positive signals should be awaited from Moscow that would enable the Interim Agreement to be signed as soon as possible. It reiterated its willingness to sign the Interim Agreement depending on progress towards the above objectives.