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By Country / Belarus

Outgoing EU Presidency Concerned About Russia, Belarus

December 18, 2006

Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (file photo) (AFP)

Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (file photo) (AFP)

December 18, 2006 -- Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said today he regretted it had proven impossible for the EU to launch talks on a new comprehensive agreement with Russia before Finland's EU presidency concludes at the end of the year.


Vanhanen noted Russia's importance as a European partner, but also said Europe would like to see a greater Russian commitment to democracy.


He also denounced the authoritarian regime in Belarus, which he said was a "scar on the face of Europe."


(Reuters)

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