Growing violations of human rights and systematic failures of the Russian state to uphold the rule of law and deliver justice to its citizens are causing great concern with Members of the European Parliament who are increasingly calling for the EU to speak out and get tough on Russia.
A seminar organised by the Liberal and Democrat Group (ALDE) in the European Parliament today, has gathered representatives of the main opposition parties in Russia, including former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov (PDU) and Dr. Sergei Mitrokhin (leader of the Yabloko party), to discuss prospects and challenges for the modernisation of Russia.
Opening the seminar, ALDE leader Guy Verhofstadt said:
"Russia will always be an important neighbour and strategic partner for the EU. But we shall not be silent when violations of human rights and the rule of law are common place. Our commitment is to the Russian people, who deserve better."Council of Europe, OSCE or WTO membership entails obligations. For a serious international player that Russia aspires to be, meeting international commitments is paramount.
"Russian authorities would be well advised to pursue a more liberal agenda. This means introducing true competition, guaranteeing political freedoms, distinguishing between oligarchs and politicians, and most importantly adhering to the rule of law.
"Modernisation of Russia will only be successful if this liberal agenda is first put into practice. Building on the current flawed economic and political system will lead to nothing."
Kriistina Ojuland MEP (ALDE, Estonian Reform Party), former Foreign Minister of Estonia and ALDE spokesperson on EU Russian relations, said:
"We believe that a modernisation of Russia should not only entail economic and market reforms but also calls for greater democracy, political freedoms, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
"I welcome the European Parliament's initiative to establish an early monitoring group in order to observe the preparations of the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections.
"I would very much welcome a prompt resolution by the European parliament on the situation regarding the rule of law in Russia."
ENDS
