European Union Analyzes Relations with Russia

Moscow, Oct 20 (Prensa Latina) The European Union (EU) summit taking place in Brussels is discussing relations with Russia, its role in Syria and the crisis in Ukraine and will determine the ratification of trade agreements with the latter.

European Council President, Donald Tusk called on the 28 members of the European Union to address their links with 'an important neighbor', although the final decision on these links will be taken in December or January, according to local television reports.

On that date, the bloc must determine whether it will extend its sanctions against Russia in response to its position on the crisis in Ukraine.

The meeting will also address the conflict in Syria, in particular Russia's participation in the battle for Aleppo, after the West accused Moscow of being responsible for the deaths of civilians as a result of bombings there.

Russia denied its air force's involvement in operations against civilians, and has demanded that the United States and other Western powers cooperate to separate the terrorists from the 'moderate opposition'.

It is expected that at the end of the summit a final document will be approved with respect to Syria, whose government has denounced the money and weapons supplied by the West, including countries of the European Union, to armed groups such as the Islamic State and Al-Nusra.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will present a report on the possibility of ratifying the agreements between the EU and Ukraine, after the population of the Netherlands rejected that option in a referendum.

A delegation of about twenty deputies, leaders of five regions and entrepreneurs from Italy traveled to the Crimea last week to show their opposition to sanctions against Russia and explore business opportunities.