EU Approves Talks With Russia

European Union foreign ministers on Monday approved much delayed plans to begin talks with Russia aimed at forging a new "strategic partnership."

Rupel hoped that Russian and European negotiators could agree on a far-reaching pact to widen economic and political ties in a year's time. A new agreement, outlining closer cooperation, would replace a 1997 deal with Moscow.

Efforts to begin talks last year also faltered over a now-resolved trade dispute between Poland and Russia over meat exports.

The delays have irked Moscow. Medvedev's trip to China last week, his first trip abroad as Russia's new president, was seen as a slap to Russia's western neighbors.

Most EU nations are eager to get closer ties with Moscow back on track, notably to secure more stable oil and gas supplies amid rising energy prices and supply concerns.

[another consequence of ignoring our energy reserves: empowering despots]

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