Updated 8:10 p.m. Moscow Time
MOSCOW, September 22 (RIA Novosti) - Russia believes that the introduction of common entry visas with Belarus within the framework of the Union State, similar to those adopted within the Schengen zone, would be a logical step, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday.
"This issue is being discussed between Moscow and Minsk, although the concrete talks have not yet been held. The absence of border controls makes the introduction of common visas a rather logical step," the ministry said in written response to a question by a RIA Novosti correspondent.
"However, neither Russia nor Belarus are planning to force artificially the preparation of the document," the ministry said adding that a thorough assessment of the measure should be made prior to the talks on the respective agreement.
Leonid Slutsky, the head of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Committee for CIS Affairs, said Monday that the idea of introducing common entry visas with Belarus would be reasonable.
"Russians and Belarusians cross our borders freely, so it is logical to introduce a single entry visa," Slutsky told RIA Novosty, noting that the step should be taken after 2015, when the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union comes into force.
The treaty, signed between the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia on May 29, 2014, will establish an economic union between the three countries starting from January 1, 2015, if it is approved by the parliaments of the three countries.
