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Some EU countries politicize visa talks with Russia

“It is common knowledge that some of our counterparts have tried to politicize the document, to mix it with human rights,” - the Foreign Ministry’s special envoy Anvar...

MOSCOW, September 27 (Itar-Tass) —— A number of EU countries tend to politicize the cancellation of visas with Russia, the Foreign Ministry’s special envoy, Anvar Azimov, said on Thursday.

“It is common knowledge that some of our counterparts have tried to politicize the document, to mix it with human rights,” the diplomat said. “We disagree with this. “If too much emphasis is put on human rights, we shall never achieve a visaless regimen.”

“Some EU members are telling us that no artificial deadlines should be established,” the ambassador said. “But certain steps must be taken. There must be the political will. The EU has not shown it yet.”

Azimov said Brussels is mostly concerned over migration risks.

“However, there are no opponents of visa cancellation in the European Union,” the special ambassador said. “There are hesitant countries, about twelve of them.”

At the same time Azimov said that he sees no migration risks from Russia.

“By the end of the year shall have readmission protocols with all EU countries (in case of illegal migration the country is obliged to accommodate its citizens), he said.

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