Implementation of the common strategy with Russia

The European Parliament adopted the resolution by Mr Arie OOSTLANDER (EPP/ED, NL) by 491 votes to 19 with 35 abstentions. (Refer to the previous document). However, there was some criticism too of certain Russian actions, notably over Chechnya. Therefore, a "double track strategy" was supported. The Parliament expressed concern about the case of the journalist, Grigori Pasko, after the decision of the Military section of the Supreme Court to retry him before a Military court in Vladivostok on charges of espionage and high treason because of his reports on the dumping of nuclear wastes in the Sea of Japan by the Russian Navy. Lastly, emphasis was laid on the importance of Russia as a partner in the Balkans, and it is called to play a constructive role in the development and stabilisation of that region. �