Igor Ivanov speaks out about Kaliningrad problem

Moscow is positive intense talks will bring forth a resolution to the problem of the Kaliningrad region, Russia's exclave on the Baltic Sea, which will satisfy both Russia and the European Union, and promote further cooperation between them. Igor Ivanov, Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said this following talks with his Danish counterpart Tuesday.

He said the Kaliningrad problem dominated his meeting with Per Stig Moller, Denmark's Foreign Minister. Denmark is assuming the rotating EU chairmanship on July 1, recalled Mr Ivanov.

"I tried to convey the feelings Russian society is harbouring toward the problem," said the minister. "To us, /introduction of/ the visa regime is not a mere technicality, but a political matter, which must be settled in the spirit of new relations Russia and the European Union are developing at the moment," Mr Ivanov said emphatically.