Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent statements concerning press freedoms and civil rights in Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7643/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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At the EU-US summit in Brussels on 22 February, the Taoiseach spoke about the relationship between the European Union and Russia. He had been invited to do so by the Luxembourg Presidency. The opportunity to share EU perspectives with President Bush ahead of his summit meeting with President Putin in Bratislava on 24 February was a valuable one. Other heads of state and government addressed other topics, also at the request of the Presidency.

For the European Union as for United States, our future relationship with the Russian Federation is an important priority. We have in common an interest in building and maintaining our own strategic partnerships with the Russian Federation. The Taoiseach made clear that the EU, for its part, is committed to developing a comprehensive relationship with Russia based on common values as well as shared interests.

In his statement, the Taoiseach referred positively to the rapid progress under way in economic co-operation between the EU and Russia and he reiterated the full support of the EU for Russian membership of the World Trade Organisation. However, he also noted Russia's reluctance to work co-operatively with the Union with respect to states in our common neighbourhood, its ongoing criticism of those EU member states which broke free from the Soviet Union and its policies in the OSCE. There was a noted disturbing trend within Russia of weakening respect for democratic standards and fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly freedom of the media, so that instead of a convergence of values, we feel a widening gap between us.

The Taoiseach showed understanding of the circumstances in which Russia and the Russian people found themselves following the break up of the Soviet Union. He said that the EU and United States could not afford to turn their backs but must continue to engage with Russia and to seek to develop economic and political ties. He made clear that Russia is a European country and that we must continue to deal with Russia according to the standards of democracy and human rights which Europe and America hold in common. Concerns should be made clear but in a constructive manner that will engage, rather than alienate, the Russian people. Underlining the need for an open and honest dialogue with Russia on all issues, he noted that we have to convince Russia of our shared interest in stability in Europe and encourage Moscow to use its influence to unlock the various "frozen conflicts" in the region.

It is encouraging to see that President Putin considered his summit meeting with President Bush a success. This would suggest that Russia is willing to engage on a wide range of political and economic issues of concern to the European Union as well as the United States. The Government wishes to maintain and develop warm, friendly and productive relations with Russia but we feel bound to express our concern when we see a retreat from the values which we believe the Irish and Russian people hold in common.