Poland holds up launch of EU-Russia partnership talks

BRUSSELS, Nov 13: Poland refused today lift its veto on the launch of talks between the European Union and Russia on a new partnership pact covering energy, trade and human rights, an EU diplomat said.

At meeting of EU foreign ministers, Warsaw insisted that Russia lift its ban on Polish food imports and make commitments on energy supplies before any talks can begin. An EU-Russia summit in Helsinki on November 24 is due to launch the negotiations.

''Our Polish friends were not able to budge. The issue will go back to the COREPER (EU ambassadors),'' said the diplomat, who asked not to be named.

REUTER