Václav Havel criticizes EU for being overly cautious towards Russia

Former Czech president Václav Havel on Tuesday criticized the European Union for what he called an "overly cautious" policy towards Russia and accused it of putting economic interests ahead of human rights. Speaking at a conference organised by the pro-EU civic group Yes For Europe in Prague, Mr. Havel said that Russia was a new type of authoritarian regime that is far more sophisticated than a classic dictatorship and that it was extremely important for the EU to communicate with it openly, for instance to ask about the politically motivated murders of certain Russian journalists.

In early December, the 27-nation bloc resumed key partnership talks with Russia, aimed at boosting economic and diplomatic ties three months after they were frozen in the wake of the conflict between Russia and Georgia.