8 Dec 2022 21:35

EU countries not to recognize Russian foreign travel passports issued in new Russian constituent entities, Abkhazia, S. Ossetia

BRUSSELS. Dec 8 (Interfax) - The Council of the European Union took a final decision on Thursday not to recognize Russian foreign travel passports issued in the four new Russian constituent entities, as well as in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

"Today's decision by the Council is further proof that we stand firmly with Ukraine," Vit Rakusan, the interior minister of the Czech Republic, which currently chairs the EU Council, said in a communique published in Brussels regarding the decision.

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

"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.