Russia fails in EU visa bid

RUSSIA failed to secure an easing of European Union visa restrictions for its citizens yesterday, even though President Vladimir Putin and top EU leaders unveiled a broad partnership accord in a bid to heal divisions after a difficult year marked by the EU’s eastward expansion.

The cooperation agreement focused on the economic sphere, where Europe’s thirst for energy and Russia’s need for investment dovetail. It was the centrepiece of a Kremlin summit, held the day after a huge Victory in Europe Day celebration in Moscow.

In the area of external security, the accord obliges the two sides to strengthen organisations such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

Mr Putin said Russia could not yet agree to the EU’s demands on readmitting illegal migrants in return for easing stringent visa rules.