Czech foreign minister criticizes EU over benevolence to Russia

Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg has criticized the EU for being too benevolent towards Russia. In an interview for the German weekly Welt am Sonntag, Mr Schwarzenberg said he did not call for a confrontation with Russia but rather for both sides – the EU and Russia – to follow certain rules. The Czech foreign minister said that if any country declares “areas of privileged interests” beyond its borders, it is a signal of warning. As long as Moscow does whatever it wants, said Mr Schwarzenberg, the EU has to draw a “red line” beyond which there is no retreat. Czech Foreign Minister Schwarzenberg also emphasised the project of Eastern Partnership as one of the priorities of the upcoming Czech presidency of the European Union.