Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s proposal on European Security Agreement, enabling Russia to become its integral part is quite positive and should be discussed unbiased and overtly, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini stated at Dec. 8 interview with Russia Today channel.

According to him, Russian President’s proposal should not be considered as an alternative to NATO, which remains one of the bases of Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.

Speaking of the possibility to build up a joint European army, Italian FM outlined there is no contradiction here, on the contrary, it is in Russia’s interests to deal with fully integrated Europe. “EU is a global actor,” Frattini noted adding that it is worth mentioning “EU is the greatest and significant neighbor of Russian Federation.”

Frattini also touched upon Russian “South Stream” gas project underlining it is not an alternative to Nabucco. “We back South Stream project as its infrastructure will be ready far earlier than Nabucco, however we are not against it. The problem is who will supply gas for Nabucco.”
Frattini also emphasized the possibility of lifting visa regime between Russian and European Union next year.

“Presently, any of the 27 EU member states can veto a proposal and block any decision. Shortly, it will be impossible as the issue will be settled by the qualified majority of votes and I think sufficient votes will be available for lifting visa regime for Russian citizens by 2010,” Italian Minister concluded.

L.A.