11/08/2006

Poland Asks Russia to Be Honest

Russia must be honest in its energy negotiations with European Union nations, Poland's president insisted Tuesday, saying Moscow had worked in the past on the basis of fiction rather than fact.

Polish President Lech Kaczynski and British Prime Minister Tony Blair said energy security was a key focus of their talks at Blair's No. 10 Downing Street office during Kaczynski's first visit to Britain since becoming president in December.

Kaczynski said his country had much experience in dealing with Moscow and accused Russia of not always playing straight. He warned that Russia's talks with Europe over energy could be difficult.

"Finding our common value set will not be simple, but our starting point must be the facts," he said at a news conference with Blair.

"One should talk to Russia [in a way] which is firm, resolved and strong."

Poland is heavily dependent on oil and gas from Russia, and its supplies were hit when Moscow briefly cut gas deliveries to Ukraine in January.

Warsaw is seeking to broaden its energy sources and is a strong advocate of a joint European energy security policy, something Blair agreed was important.

"It is massively to our benefit that Europe takes a common line on energy policy," Blair said.
Source:moscowtimes.ru



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