BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 26, SPA -- European Union foreign ministershave approved plans to begin talks with Russia on a newpartnership deal, the Associated Press reported. The EU hopes those talks, which will start at a summitwith Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in June, will leadto a new «strategic partnership» with its large easternneighbor. The EU ministers approved the negotiations at talksMonday. Such a pact will cover economic and political issues,notably closer energy and trade ties.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/559295