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EU headquarters in Brussels. File photoBRUSSELS, Oct 19 EU countries are free to maintain bilateral contacts with Russian counterparts, there is no prohibition on such contacts, but countries should take into account the common European position and EU policy, said the representative of the foreign service of the union, Nabil Massrali, commenting on the words of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi about «restoring relations» with the Russian Federation. Berlusconi said earlier that Russian President Vladimir Putin called him «the first of his five true friends.» According to him, he «restored relations with Putin», whom he «knew as a peaceful and prudent person.» «The EU does not comment on contacts that individual European politicians want to resume … As for the EU countries as a whole, they are free to conduct contacts that they consider it necessary, respecting, of course, the common European policy. There is no ban on contacts with Russian counter-partners, but such contacts should take into account the EU's position on… Ukraine,» the representative of the European External Service said. moment «opportune» for contacts with Russia at a high level.