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Putin, Merkel to Discuss Energy Security, Mideast Peace Sunday
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=15E2F83:A6F02AD83191E160406437EDF2D997AF9574F7DCC14957C0 Germany in EU
Presidency concerned about Europe's dependence on Russian oil and gas





German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin
are seen as Putin's dog Cony walks past, Sunday, 21 Jan. 2007German
Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Russia Sunday for talks with President
Vladimir Putin expected to focus on European energy security worries
and the Middle East.

Germany currently holds the EU's rotating presidency. 

Ms. Merkel is expected to raise with Mr. Putin concerns about Europe's
dependence on Russian oil and natural gas.  Russia has made temporary
cuts in supplies to former Soviet republics several times in the last
year, which also interrupted deliveries to Europe.

Aides say President Putin and Chancellor Merkel also intend to discuss
the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and Iran's nuclear program. 

Ms. Merkel is also expected to try to persuade Mr. Putin to lift a
Russian ban on Polish meat imports that has stopped an EU-Russian
trade deal from going forward.

The two leaders are meeting at Mr. Putin's residence in the Black Sea
resort of Sochi.

Russia and the EU are part of the so-called "Quartet" on Middle East
peace, along with the United States and the United Nations. 

Germany, along with Britain and France, has been negotiating on behalf
of the EU with Iran on its nuclear program.  Russia is helping Iran
build its reactors. 

The United States accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons,
but Tehran says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.




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