No talks with Moscow unless troops are withdrawn

European Union leaders yesterday gave Russia a few more days to withdraw its military presence from Georgia, warning that it would suspend talks on future relations until this is done.

The bloc however shied away from imposing political or economic sanctions against Moscow ,although it did not rule out the possibility if Russia persists in its military occupation.

Meeting at a special summit in Brussels yesterday, called by current EU President Nicolas Sarkozy, all 27 EU leaders agreed that Mr Sarkozy was to hold talks in Moscow on September 8 in order to "conduct a careful in-depth examination of the situation and of the various aspects of EU-Russia relations". He would be accompanied by Commission President José Manuel Barroso and the EU's Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana.

This meeting will only be held on condition that all Russian troops have been withdrawn from Georgia according to the original ceasefire agreement with the EU.

"Until troops have withdrawn to the positions held prior to August 7, meetings on the negotiation of the Partnership Agreement will be postponed."

Last July, the EU launched negotiations for a new framework agreement with Russia.

During the summit, also attended by Malta's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, the EU condemned Russia's disproportionate reaction to Georgia's incursion into South Ossetia - a rebel region politically close to Moscow.

EU leaders expressed their grave concern at the open conflict. "Military action of this kind is not a solution and is not acceptable," they said in the summit's conclusion.

"The European Council strongly condemns Russia's unilateral decision to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. That decision is unacceptable and the EU calls on other states not to recognise this proclaimed independence and asks the Commission to examine the political consequences to be drawn."

The leaders also decided to appoint an EU special representative for the crisis in Georgia and to aid Georgian reconstruction in the aftermath of the conflict.

The European Commission has already put aside €6 million in humanitarian aid for Georgia, with member states promising some €8.4 million more.

Apart from diplomatic-speak and a warning on future relations, the EU refrained from taking further concrete steps towards imposing political and economic sanctions on Moscow.

Some EU member states, particularly Britain and former communist members, wanted the EU to take a firmer stance. But other countries including Germany warned against rushing into such measures, fearing a backlash from Moscow.

Russia is considered to be in a very strong economic position as it supplies a quarter of the EU's energy needs.

Malta too prefers a flexible approach.

"We cannot decide from now what to do next. It depends on Russia's reaction," Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said when asked about the would-be scenario if Russia does not comply with the EU's demands.

"Malta hopes that Russia withdraws its troops and that collaboration between Brussels and Moscow will continue. We hope that the Russian government realises that the best way forward is through dialogue."

Dr Gonzi said that Malta's position over this conflict is that the sovereignty of independent states has to be fully respected.

Asked whether Malta will consider sending observers on the ground as part of an overall EU mission, Dr Gonzi was non-committal.

"Let's not go into these details yet," was his curt reply.

During yesterday's summit, Dr Gonzi was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said instead of Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, who usually attends these meetings.

The Prime Minister said Dr Borg couldn't be there because he is currently abroad on a private trip. He said he was in direct and continuous contact with the Foreign Minister over the evolving situation in Georgia.