November 24, 2006

EU issues stronger calls for Russia to end Polish meat ban
 

The European Commission on Thursday (Nov 23) issued a strong call for Russia to end its ban on Polish meat ahead of an European Union summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday.

A spokeswoman for the European Commission said Russian restrictions was "disproportionate" and said it was over-reacting to a perceived health threat.

Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso would urge President Putin to end the 1-year boycott of Polish meat and plant products.

Meanwhile, the Commission has also tried to placate Poland to end its veto on launching cooperation and trade talks with Moscow.

EU and Russian leaders are scheduled to meet in Helsinki for a one-day summit that would focus on energy and trade issues.