EU Ministers Endorse Mandate for Russia Talks

Brussels, 26 May - EU foreign ministers on Monday endorsed a negotiating mandate for talks on a new partnership agreement with Russia, ending a two-year impasse due to objections first from Poland and then from Lithuania. "The negotiations can begin," said Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel.

Brussels, Belgium FM Dimitrij Rupel speaking to the press after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium
FM Dimitrij Rupel speaking to the press after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium FM Dimitrij Rupel speaking to the press after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium
FM Dimitrij Rupel speaking to the press after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium FM Dimitrij Rupel speaking to the press after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium
FM Dimitrij Rupel speaking to the press after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium FM Dimitrij Rupel speaking to the press after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium
FM Dimitrij Rupel speaking to the press after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Bruxelles - Belgium May 26, 2008...The EU High representative Javier SOLANA (L) Slovenian Minister of foreign affairs, and President of the Council Dimitrij RUPPEL (C) and the EU Foreign affairs Commissioner Benita FERRERO-WALDNER (R) are talking to media at the end of the General Affairs Council meeting...Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Bruxelles - Belgium May 26, 2008...The EU High representative Javier SOLANA (L) Slovenian Minister of foreign affairs, and President of the Council Dimitrij RUPPEL (C) and the EU Foreign affairs Commissioner Benita FERRERO-WALDNER (R) are talking to media at the end of the General Affairs Council meeting...Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium. Dimitrij Rupel (right), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his Finish counterpart Alexander Stubb prior the start of the Council meeting. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium.
Dimitrij Rupel (right), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his Finish counterpart Alexander Stubb prior the start of the Council meeting.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium. Dimitrij Rupel (left), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his new Italian counterpart Franco Frattini prior the start of the Council meeting. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium.
Dimitrij Rupel (left), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his new Italian counterpart Franco Frattini prior the start of the Council meeting.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium. Dimitrij Rupel (left), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his new Italian counterpart Franco Frattini prior the start of the Council meeting. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium.
Dimitrij Rupel (left), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his new Italian counterpart Franco Frattini prior the start of the Council meeting.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium. Dimitrij Rupel (left), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his new Italian counterpart Franco Frattini prior the start of the Council meeting. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium.
Dimitrij Rupel (left), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his new Italian counterpart Franco Frattini prior the start of the Council meeting.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium. Dimitrij Rupel (right), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his Luxembourg counterpart Jean Asselborn prior the start of the Council meeting. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

Brussels, Belgium.
Dimitrij Rupel (right), the Slovenian foreign minister and chairman of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, talking to his Luxembourg counterpart Jean Asselborn prior the start of the Council meeting.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA

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