December 14, 2006

Poland rejects proposal to solve meat dispute with Russia

The rift between Poland and Russia looks set to deepen over the current meat disputes as Polish Prime Minister Jaroslav Kaczynski failed to show up at a meeting at which last-ditch mediation was to have taken place.

Poland to use its veto in the European Union to block passage a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Russia and the EU, leaving Germany as head of the EU to solve the issue next year.

Other EU member states, and the European Commission had agreed to an earlier proposal by Finland, who currently holds the EU presidency but not Poland.