Despite an acute financial crisis worldwide, the Caucasus conflict remains one of the central issues to be discussed as part of the Russia - EU cooperation. It became more apparent during the recent meeting between the Presidents of Russia and France in Nice. Moscow's partners in Europe, including Great Britain and Sweden, agreed to boost the negotiations, which are said to result in a new long-term treaty. The talks must have begun in November, 2006, but Warsaw vetoed them after Russia had banned the import of Polish meat, which did not comply with the national sanitary regulations. Please Read more.