EU preparing resolution to deny visas to holders of Russian passports issued in new territories

BRUSSELS. Nov 10 (Interfax) - The Czech presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a preliminary agreement on refusing to accept Russian foreign travel passports issued in former Ukrainian regions, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia, for obtaining Schengen visas.

The text of the resolution agreed upon during negotiations has yet to be officially endorsed by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, the Council said in a communique published in Brussels on Thursday.

These types of "Russian travel documents [...] will not be accepted as valid travel documents for obtaining a visa or crossing the borders of the Schengen area," it said.

"Russian travel documents issued in these regions are already not recognized, or in the process of not being recognized, by EU member states," it said.

"This decision aims to set out a common approach, ensure the proper functioning of the external border and common visa policies and safeguard the security of EU member states," it said.