Today's Date:

RUSSIA/EU

THE MINISTER – No, the European Union and Russia need each other more than ever. Their respective roles on the international scene are important and these two great neighbours are now closely interdependent: over half of Russia's exports go to the European Union. Our cultural, human and scientific exchanges are developing and we have to confront common challenges in the sphere of security and the battle against terrorism.

The four "common spaces" we decided to establish during the St Petersburg Summit testify to the importance of our shared interests: an economic "space", a "space" of freedom, security and justice, a "space" of cooperation in the field of external security and a "space" of research and education.

Important results have already been obtained: ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, ratification of the Protocol extending the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, agreement on the education and research "space", conclusions of the European Union-Russia negotiations on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Difficulties exist of course, as they exist in any relationship as substantive as this one, but you mustn't see them as points of discord. This is the consequence of the substantial progress made in cooperation between the European Union and Russia. These days we discuss an increasing number of issues. But what's clearly important is that both the European Union and Russia are intent on finding solutions in the interest of both parties.

FRANCE/RUSSIA/ECONOMIC RELATIONS

THE MINISTER – First of all, French and Russian companies obey market laws and are affected by the business climate. But of course, increasing our economic exchanges is an important objective for France. To do this, we have fora for dialogue between our two governments, such as the Economic, Financial, Industrial and Commercial Council (CEFIC – Conseil économique, financier, industriel et commercial), and between our business chiefs, with the RSPP (Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs) and its French counterpart, MEDEF. These fora provide the opportunity to discuss both concrete projects and any problems which crop up. They allow the two countries' entrepreneurs to work together. France has also adopted an ambitious Trade Action Plan to enable her to develop her presence in Russia. Already many French businesses have opted to set up in Russia – Renault, Auchan, Michelin, Danone, as well as many others.

Finally, engaged in a long process of transforming their country, the Russian authorities also have their role to play in encouraging economic exchanges such as investment. This requires an attractive tax and customs environment, an appropriate legal framework and a propitious business climate. Here too, we applaud the changes which have taken place in Russia over the past 15 years and support the pursuit of the effort to open up the Russian economy to the outside.

RUSSIA/TOTALITARIAN TRENDS

THE MINISTER – Is the term "totalitarian" really appropriate? You just have to travel round Moscow to understand that there's nothing totalitarian about today's Russia. Since 1991 Russia has seen some important changes and I don't believe a return to the past is possible.

Since his arrival in power in May 2000, President Putin has endeavoured to strengthen State structures which had grown considerably weaker during the transition process. Reforms were essential in order to give the country efficient administrative structures. This desire to restore the State is legitimate and we have supported it.

At the same time, Russia is facing many challenges – be they economic, political, social or terrorism-related. While Russia isn't the only country to be confronted with global challenges threatening the State's ability to operate effectively, with due regard for the law, this debate is taking an inevitably more sensitive turn in a country which is emerging from a long period of radical transformation.

For me, what's essential isn't to impugn peoples' motives but to draw attention to the fact that there will be a strong Russia – and we need a strong Russia in Europe – only if she is built on values of democracy, the rule of law, respect for the individual, the pluralism of opinions and ideas. We share these values. They apply to Moscow as to Paris and it's the responsibility of the State and every citizen to defend them.

(...)

FRANCE/RUSSIA/IRAQ

THE MINISTER – Like Russia, France has a long-standing relationship with IraQ. Throughout the crisis, our countries have liaised closely to contribute to restoring that country's stability, independence and sovereignty. It was in this spirit that I participated, with my Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in the Sharm el Sheikh conference, which confirmed the international community's commitment to assist Iraq's political and economic reconstruction. In the Paris Club, France agreed to an exceptional effort to reduce Iraqi government debt.

We have also initiated a political dialogue at the highest level with the new Iraqi authorities. Currently, the uncertainties hanging over the security and legal situation make resumption of normal economic relations difficult. But we are ready, as soon as circumstances permit, to contribute to the enrichment of that country's considerable human and material potential and development.

From this point of view, the General Election of 30 January is a milestone in the political transition process which can't be ignored, even though it will be only a stage in the stabilization of the situation in IraQ. (...)./.