Talks on introducing visa-free travel between...

"We are realists and we understand that there is a certain political component to the positions of several EU member states, which affects the European Union"s readiness to introduce a visa-free regime, but we are working on this," Vladimir Chizhov said at a news conference in Moscow.

"I can"t predict when our partners will be ready for a visa-free regime," he added.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said last December in an interview with Russia Today television that in 2010 Italy could propose introducing a visa-free regime with Russia.

Chizhov also said that there were still a few "practical nuances" to be resolved, such as the introduction of biometric passports, and how Russian borders with non-EU countries would be affected.

He said that the EU was concerned by the issues of registration in Russia and procedures for work permits. All foreigners are required to register with the Russian authorities within three working days of their arrival

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