BRUSSELS, October 21 (RIA Novosti) – Russia is ready to reinvigorate its cooperation with the new European Commission headed by Jean-Claude Juncker, Russian Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov said in an interview with EurActive news outlet published Tuesday.
"With the new Commission we are fully prepared to reinvigorate our cooperation," Chizhov said in an interview.
"The new Commission will have a number of familiar faces, including its President [Jean-Claude Juncker]," the ambassador was quoted as saying. "With other members of the Commission, including the High Representative/Vice President, we hope to establish good working contacts, in order to jointly find a way out of this rather negative period in our relations."
Regarding the sanctions that caused the deterioration of Russia-EU relations, Chizhov noted that Moscow was not currently in talks with EU member states concerning the issue, as it was up to those who imposed the restrictions to resolve the situation.
"We are not discussing sanctions with our European counterparts. It was their decision, a flawed decision, and it's up to them to resolve the issue," Chizhov said, adding that the European Union did not appear to have either an exit strategy or any follow-up plan.
Juncker's new European Commission replaces the outgoing team headed by Jose Manuel Barroso. The European Parliament will vote on Juncker's commission in Strasbourg on October 22. If it passes, Juncker's team will be able to start its five-year mandate on November 1.
