Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2007-02-14-Speech-3-274"
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"en.20070214.21.3-274"2
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".
Mrs Ferrero-Waldner, Mr Gloser, I must say that the two international agreements with Russia that you are presenting to us today, one on the measures aimed at facilitating the issuance of visas and the other on readmission, have made us extremely worried.
The European Union’s cooperating with Russia must result in the protection of fundamental rights, including the rights of migrants and asylum seekers, being promoted more effectively. Admittedly, these agreements enable progress to be made, in particular on the price of visas and the simplification of the procedure, but several problems remain. Indeed, the events that took place recently in Russia show that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are not systematically guaranteed there. Europe must therefore keep issuing strong demands to ensure that human rights are protected.
You responded to some of our concerns in your statement. The Commission has committed itself to guaranteeing reciprocity in the implementation of the agreement on visas, equal treatment regarding registration procedures and free movement within Russia. Obviously, I would have liked firmer commitments to have been made, particularly on the protection of migrants and the rights of children. I am particularly concerned by the accelerated procedure provided for by the readmission agreement. Will the Commission ensure, moreover, that this procedure complies with the principle of non-refoulement?
We also requested clearer commitments for visas, which, in the long run, would have meant putting a stop to the invitation and registration system and simplifying the procedure for bona fide travellers.
Finally, I must once again reiterate our Parliament’s dissatisfaction with the fact that we were simply consulted on these international agreements, and this, long after they had been concluded. Prior consultation of the European Parliament during the negotiations would also – it must be said – lead to greater democratic control."@en1
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