| Subject |
Tobias Ellwood to visit Moscow
|
| Ref |
PR/06-170 |
| Date |
Tuesday 19th December
2006 |
Tobias Ellwood will be joining a Parliamentary Delegation visiting
Moscow this week to meet Russian Members of Parliament and members
of the Russian Foreign and Energy Ministries.
This will be the first delegation to visit the country since the
death of Ex-Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko, who died after being
poisoned by the radio active matter polonium-210.
On the agenda will be the subject of gas supplies and the ever increasing
power of the state owned gas giant Gazprom. Threats by Russia to
reduce or cut off supplies to its neighbours have caused a domino
effect across Europe resulting in gas prices fluctuating rapidly
in the UK. About a third of Europe's gas comes from Russia and many
believe President Putin is using energy as leverage to restore global
respect following the demise of the Soviet Union.
The subject of Mr Litvinenko's death is not on the formal agenda
although the issue is likely to be raised as is Russia's influence
over Iran and its bid to become a nuclear state.
Tobias said:
"The increasing influence Russia has over our own oil and gas
prices reflects the importance of a positive and constructive Anglo-Russian
relationship. I will ask how any co-operation can develop in the
light of President Putin's attempts to alter the Constitution in
order to secure a third term, place television effectively under
state control and reduce the power of Parliament.
|
