EU to start Russia partnership talks / EU backs mandate for Russia talks

The Council of the European Union approved 26 May 2008 negotiating directives for an agreement that will provide a
new comprehensive framework for the EU's relations with Russia.

Spiegel Online International, 26.5.08: EU Gives Green Light for Russia Talks http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,555432,00.html

Deutsche Welle, 26.5.08: EU Ministers Agree to Work Toward Deal with Russia http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3360567,00.html

BBC News, 26.5.08: EU to seek new pact with Russia http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7420018.stm

Council of the European Union: Press Release, PRES/08/142: Council approves negotiating directives for a new agreement with Russia http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/er/100622.pdf

Slovenia: EU Presidency: Press Release, 26.5.08: EU Council of Ministers approves mandate for negotiating new framework agreement with Russian Federation http://www.eu2008.si/en/News_and_Documents/Press_Releases/May/0526MZZ_GAERC_Rusija.html

Eur-Activ, 26.5.08: EU to give green light to Russia talks http://www.euractiv.com/en/foreign-affairs/eu-give-green-light-russia-talks/article-172659

---