‘Holding operation’ rewards Putin for pro-western stance ahead of elections

All European Union Member States and Candidate Countries were represented in St Petersburg, at an EU-Russia Summit on 31 May 2003. A Joint Declaration issued following the Summit called for stronger political representation for Russia, the creation of 'common spaces', and the prospect of visa-free travel for Russians.

http://www.eu2003.gr/en/articles/2003/5/31/2942/ http://www.eu2003.gr/en/articles/2003/5/31/2942/

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