Joint letter on Russia

Sir, Both sides in the EU-Russia summit should seize the opportunity to move beyond the tensions of recent years because challenges such as climate change and energy security require common responses based on trust.

EU leaders want to give President Medvedev a chance to be a constructive partner, but their approach must not be based on wishful thinking. The case of BP and recent actions against Georgia suggest a continuation of Kremlin policy. Instead of offering concessions to encourage a more reasonable approach in the future, it would be better to give them in exchange for firm guarantees that Russia intends to respect its international commitments.

Above all, the EU needs to set out a principled approach towards Russia. The relationship must be based on respect for international law, the UN Charter, the Energy Charter Treaty and the Vienna Conventions.

Russia’s actions in the fields of democracy, human rights and judicial independence need to be brought into line with its Council of Europe and OSCE obligations. The energy relationship should operate according to rules that are fair and reciprocal, not monopoly control. Security co-operation should involve a more responsible approach to solving frozen conflicts, stabilising the western Balkans and pressing Iran to stop uranium enrichment.

Finally, Russia should not expect to develop a privileged partnership with the EU while it continues to adopt a position of bilateral hostility towards the UK and other EU member states.

Sir Menzies Campbell, MP

Ian Taylor, MP

David Curry, MP

Malcolm Bruce, MP

Mark Fisher, MP

Robert Walter, MP

Chris Bryant, MP

Danny Alexander, MP

Bruce George, MP

Source: The Times 27th June 2008