EU CONSIDERS ZONE FOR EX-SOVIET STATES

UPI
Nov. 24, 2008 at 9:03 PM

BRUSSELS, Nov. 24 (UPI) — The European Commission is set to propose
the creation of a European Economic Area to help six post-Soviet
countries move closer to the West, officials said.

The EU Observer reported Monday that the plan is aimed at recognizing
the European aspirations of Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia,
Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"The conflict in Georgia in August 2008 and its broader repercussions
have resulted in increased awareness of the vulnerability of
Eastern partners," the draft commission communication on the Eastern
Partnership says. "There is a sense of urgency among member states
as to the need to enhance relations with our Eastern neighbors to
support them in drawing closer to the EU."

The newspaper reported the economic area is designed to send
"a clear and lasting political message of EU solidarity" and to
"produce benefits perceived and recognized by citizens of the partner
countries."