Angelina Timofeeva. The format of the Eastern partnership is not directed against Russia, said Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking Friday in Parliament yesterday out on the Summit of "Eastern partnership" in Riga.

The program "Eastern partnership" includes political Association and economic integration of the EU with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The last 3 countries last year signed the Treaty on the Union with the EU. The summit of "Eastern partnership" will be held may 21-22 in Riga.

Eastern partnership is not aimed against third parties, and most importantly against Russia. I will repeat that it was not and is not about "either or" of rapprochement with the EU on one side and on the Russian desire for closer partnerships with neighbouring States on the reverse side. For this reason, we remain ready to talk about concerns related to the creation of a free trade area where these concerns are. The Federal government reiterates that the EU is ready to engage in these dialogues, he leads them into the moment with Russia, and we are very constructively to follow, " said the Chancellor.

sections: Politics