EU, 6 former Soviet republics agree to pursue partnership

PRAGUE (AP) — Despite deep Russian misgivings, the European Union and six former Soviet republics formally agreed Thursday to pursue a new partnership meant to draw the eastern nations closer into the EU orbit.

The agreement approved by presidents, premiers and their deputies from 33 nations is meant to extend the EU’s political and economic ties in exchange for commitments to democracy from beneficiary nations. But already riled by NATO’s eastward outreach, Moscow views the so-called “Eastern Partnership” plan with suspicion.

Kremlin ally Mikhail Margelov, the chairman of the International Affairs committee in Russia’s upper parliament house, said Thursday the Prague meeting was a geopolitically motivated effort by the West to increase its influence over former Soviet republics, Russian news agencies reported.

Comments by leaders at the end of the half-day meeting reflected Russian sensibilities — and European attempts to defuse them.

“This Eastern Partnership is directed against no one, including Russia,” said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, among 17 heads of governments attending along with four heads of state.

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