EU leaders gather for Russia/Georgia summit

European leaders are gathering in Brussels, for a summit on the crisis over Russia and Georgia. The EU President Sarkozy wants a clear, unanimous message to emerge, possibly including sanctions.

But Europe is split on how to pitch its reaction: several Eastern members want a hard line, while others, including Germany, are mindful of Europe’s close business and energy ties with Moscow. Britain called for talks on a new partnership with Russia to be suspended.

Public opinion is split as well: pro-Russian demonstrators pointed out that a knee-jerk response would do no-one any good.