EU representatives discuss case of Russian-hired pilots

DUSHANBE, November 11, 2011, Asia-Plus – On Friday November 11, Tajik Ambassador to the European Union (EU) Rustam Soliyev met with Mr. Clyde Kull, Estonia’s Ambassador to the European Union (as said) and a number of high-ranking officials of the European Union.

According to the Mission of Tajikistan to the European Union, the sides discussed detention and conviction of Estonian national Aleksey Rudenko in Tajikistan.

“Representatives of the European Union positively assessed the clear position of Tajikistan on this issue and assured that the European Union will not take any measures until the appeals court makes decision,” the source said.

According to him, Western diplomats allegedly stressed that Russian officials give political color to this case, which has purely criminal character, in order to derive political benefit on the threshold of elections.

“According to them, unlike Russia, the European Union intends to solve this problem without political motive, within legal frames and in clam atmosphere,” the source said.

The meeting participants reportedly reached an agreement that the sides will jointly seek way out of this situation.

The source added that representatives of the European Union had assured Rustam Soliyev and Brussels and Tallinn want to maintain and develop relations with Tajikistan.