Moscow postpones Russia-EU summit

Vladimir Putin wants to meet a confirmed EU Commission

A summit between Russia and the EU that was due to take place this week has been cancelled at Moscow's request.

Russia reportedly asked for the delay so that President Vladimir Putin could meet Jose Manuel Barroso's new EU Commission, which awaits approval.

The European Parliament is due to vote on the new commission on 18 November.

Mr Barroso withdrew his initial line-up after MEPs threaten to reject the team because of the inclusion of Italian conservative Rocco Buttiglione.

Mr Buttiglione, who caused a stir with his comments on gay people and the role of women, has since been replaced by Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.

The Russia-EU summit had been due to take place on Thursday in The Hague.

The main subjects for discussion included the further development of relations, in particular an agreement on the economy; freedom, security and justice; external security and education, research and cultural aspects.

They were also due to discuss several current international topics and ways of combating terrorism.

Some reports say the delay is down to continued differences between the EU and Moscow over security issues.

A spokesman for the Netherlands, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said the meeting was likely to be rescheduled for December.