Gorbachev regrets "mistrust" of EU leaders towards Russia

BERLIN, Oct 13 (KUNA) -- Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev regretted what he saw as "mistrust" in the European Union towards Russia, calling on the bloc to trust Russia more.
Speaking in Wiesbaden at the start of the annual St. Petersburg Dialogue between Germany and Russia, Gorbachev criticized the EU leaders for their "irresponsible" comments.
He pointed out that the EU and Russia were now in need of a new basis following the expiry of their current partnership agreement. Talks on renewing the agreement have been stalled because of Polish objections.
The annual gathering was initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as part of the German-Russian Forum in 2001.
German opposition Greens Party urged chancellor Angela Merkel to put pressure on Putin on his suggestion he made last week that he could become Russian prime minister after leaving office in March. (end) sh.tg KUNA 132211 Oct 07NNNN