Europe reluctant to open door to Russia

BORIS YELTSIN yesterday called for Russia to be admitted to Europe's club of democratic states, but received only a cautious reply. All European organisations are grappling with how to deal with the giant to their east, in the aftermath of the defeated rebellion. Russia is showing increasing impatience with their slowness.

The Russian President sent a message to a summit of the 32- member Council of Europe, which is meeting in Vienna. 'I would like to reiterate the sincere interest of the Russian Federation in becoming a member of the family of democratic nations ruled by law and a fully fledged member of the Council of Europe,' it said.

The Council of Europe imposes stiff tests of democracy, the rule of law and human rights on member states. It is seen by many Central and Eastern Europe states as the first step on the road to full integration with Western Europe, including membership of the European Community. Its summit seeks to re-define and relaunch the organisation after the Cold War.

The reaction of the other member states and Council officials to Mr Yeltsin's appeal was cautious. They said that Russia must proceed with democratic elections, economic and political reforms and a human rights framework before membership could be considered. The summit leaders were drawing up a declaration of support, however.

Privately, many officials say that they do not believe Russia will ever become a full member, because of its size, geography and the range of its internal political problems. Russian delegations to the Strasbourg headquarters have expressed irritation with the reluctance to move faster on membership. Russia has also been angered by the Council's acceptance of Estonia as a member, despite what it perceives as discrimination against the Baltic state's Russian minority.