Medvedev to discuss RF-EU and RF-NATO relations, other issues.

ROME, December 3 (Itar-Tass) - President Dmitry Medvedev will describe
in detail the Russian draft of a European Security Treaty to Italian
premier Silvio Berlusconi, which was published by the Kremlin three days
ago, Itar-Tass learnt from the Russian head of state's aide Sergei
Prikhodko.
According to Prikhodko, the leaders will also discuss the Iranian
nuclear problem, Russia-EU and Russia-NATO relations and a Mid-East
settlement.
"The preparation of the Security Treaty draft is a reply to an
interested response of partners to the idea, expressed by President
Medvedev in Berlin in 2008," Prikhodko noted. According to the president's
assistant, "partners requested to give more particulars about proposals".
"We are not dead firm or sketchy on anything; we held consultations
with the EU and NATO. Indeed, some states believe that the OSCE is the
best grounds for implementing this idea," noted the Kremlin representative.
He emphasised that Moscow "does not turn down this stance, but
suggests looking wider and without bias, since the OSCE has not
demonstrated any impressive results precisely in the sphere of security
since the time of its establishment and over the entire period of its
operation, for instance, in the territory of the former Soviet Union and
in Yugoslavia".
"There is no sense for us to spurn down an idea of involving the OSCE
potential, but there are some doubts that this will be effective,"
Prikhodko added.
As for relations with the European Union, "of course, it is very
important to hear Berlusconi's opinion on what changes are expected in
connection with entering into force the Lisbon Treaty on EU reform on
December 1," the Russian leader's aide noted.
"In the context of discussion on Russian-EU relations, special
attention will be evidently given to cooperation in ensuring energy
security, introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of Russia and EU
countries, adaptation of operating dialogue mechanisms to the post-Lisbon
period of EU development," Prikhodko forecasts.
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