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The question about the passengers data transfer could hinder negotiations between Russia and the EU

The question about the passengers data transfer could hinder negotiations between Russia and the EU

The General Director of the European Commission for Home Affairs Stefano Manservizi expressed concern about Russian requirement to provide the personal data of the air passengers arriving in Russia. In his judgment this requirement may slow down the negotiations on the mutual abolition of visas, – reports the agency Interfax.

“I can confirm that if the personal data of the air passengers EU citizens have to be transmitted, it will cause serious problems of compatibility with EU law on the protection of personal data”, – noted Manservizi.

However, the ambassador at large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anvar Azimov announced that, although the problem with the agreement on the personal data transfer of the air passengers does exist, he would not associate it with the negotiations on visa abolition. “No way this problem should hinder our progress”, – noted Azimov.

Also Manservizi commented on Moscow announcement about the possibility of signing an agreement on visa-free regime by 2014. The head of the European Commission for Home Affairs noted that the Russians have repeatedly tried to predict the ultimate deadlines of the introduction of visa-free regime, but, in his opinion, it is too early to put any time limit.

“I always say that we need to work hard in order to fulfill the necessary conditions on the issues on which we agree. A lot of work is done, but a lot remains to be done”, – noted Manservizi.

Monday, March 18, 2013