Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Chizhov heading the Russian delegation to Brussels has told reporters that Russia will express its key concerns caused by ten new members' accession to the EU (three Baltic countries, Poland, the Czech republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Cyprus and Malta).
We will try to complete the discussions. Our task is to clarify the uncertainties before the Moscow visit by the Chairman of the European Commission, Romano Prodi and other European commissioners on April 22, said Mr. Chizhov.
In his words, the Brussels negotiations will coordinate two documents that may be signed in Luxembourg on May 27. They are the additional protocol on validating the Russia-EU agreement on partnership and cooperation for the new EU members, and the joint statement to outline Russia's key concerns.
According to Vladimir Chizhov, most of the issues linked to the EU's expansion have been already coordinated. Some agricultural and other issues remain to be coordinated.
The Russian delegation includes representatives of the foreign ministry, the ministry of economic development and trade, the agriculture ministry, and the ministry of transport and communications.
