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KONSTANTIN ZATULIN: "THERE EXISTS A GROUP OF COUNTRIES READY TO RECOGNIZE PMR"
By Helen Pestruhina, 01/Aug/2007
Tiraspol Times & Weekly Review, Moldova
July 31 2007
It is necessary in the process of international negotiations to gather
a unique "club" of countries that could recognize Pridnestrovie,
South Ossetia and Abkhazia. So says Russian MP Konstantin Zatulin,
a specialist on the democratic right to self-determination. In this
interview, he adds that such countries already exist.
Influential Duma-MP Konstantin Zatulin says that a "club" of existing
countries must be formed to recognize PridnestrovieMOSCOW (Tiraspol
Times) - Russia shouldn't necessarily be the first country to recognize
Pridnestrovie and the other 'de facto' states on the post-Soviet
space, believes influential Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin. Instead,
it will be necessary to bring together a small group of countries who
will be ready to recognize Pridnestrovie and the others. As Zatulin
confirms in this interview, these countries already exist.
Now is the time to work on preparing this group of countries for what
will happen after Kosovo's expected independence declaration. Russia
will address the long-pending status settlement issues surrounding
Pridnestrovie, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which in the opinion of
Konstantin Zatulin should have been recognized as independent states
a long time ago. Konstantin Zatulin is an influential Russian MP and
foreign policy specialist. Apart from being a deputy to the State
Dume, Russia's lower house, he is also director of the Institute of
the Commonwealth of Independent States, CIS. He is also a frequent
visitor to Pridnestrovie and familiar with the internal situation of
the largest of the unrecognized countries in the former Soviet Union.
Will Kosovo be a precedent for the recognition of the independence
of Abkhazia, South Ossetia or Pridnestrovie?
" - Regardless of how much the West might claim that "Kosovo is unique"
and sui generis, any recognition of the independence of the province
against the will of Serbia is a clear and obvious precedent.
There are clear parallels with the unrecognized countries of the former
USSR: Ethnic conflicts emerged in the process of disintegration of the
previously existing state, wars erupted which now present an obstacle
to a political solution, and the outside interest of third parties can
not be excluded. Kosovo is only "unique" in the sense that the Kosovo
Albanians never fought alone for their independence - they were able
to state their independence claim with the backing of NATO convoys.
>From the very beginning, the political goal was always to dismember
Yugoslavia and its geopolitical role, and NATO's military actions
against Yugoslavia followed this purpose. If we look at history,
Germany has always tried to prevent a strong Slavic state from existing
in the Balkans. The other day, the German Ambassador to Serbia issued
a threat: allegedly, if the Serbs won't accept the independence
of Kosovo, a number of other "problem areas" will appear such as
Vojvodina (where there is a Hungarian minority) and the country in
general will disintegrate.
For the United States, Yugoslavia became a convenient pretext to
strengthen its military presence in Europe. In Kosovo they built the
largest American military base in the world, outside of the United
States (Camp Bondsteel, ed.). Perhaps this foreign occupation is
the reason for the insistence of the recognition of "independence"
of the Kosovo?
In words, Russia has always condemned the NATO war against Yugoslavia,
but the actions of Russia have not always been consistent. After prime
minister Primakov initially sent friendly airplanes to Yugoslavia as a
sign of protest against the NATO bombings, Russia was then represented
in its negotiations on Yugoslavia by Victor Chernomyrdin, who wanted
to demonstrate his loyalty to Western policy.
Now it is different: Russia will not waiver from its opinion that
he independence of Kosovo is only possible with Serbian consent. We
possess veto rights, and no UN resolution on the independence of
Kosovo will pass. This has provided encouragement for the Serbian
people. Pro-Western politicians within Serbia can not, even if they
want to, announce their capitulation on this issue because they will
immediately become political corpses.
In this situation, the West will begin the scenario of unilateral
recognition of an independent Kosovo. First, Albania will recognize
Kosovo. Then, perhaps, some third country, followed in quick succession
also by recognition from the USA and European countries.
And inevitably, Russia is bound to raise the question of recognizing
the independence of the post-Soviet republics. This is an additional
fact which impels Russia to stand firm on the Kosovo issue."
Please explain...
" - In Russia there is no complete consensus regarding the timeliness
of recognition of the unrecognized countries. There is a desire
to delay and draw out the moment until it is necessary to take a
decision on them. I personally think that they should have already
been recognized as independent states, and that this recognition
is now overdue. Because South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Pridnestrovie and
Nagorno-Karabakh, I might add, have more historical, legal, and
political grounds for independence than Kosovo.
Historically, South Osetia and Abkhazia have never been part of the
composition of the State of Georgia. These territories (without the
consent of the inhabitants!) were included within the administrative
boundaries of the Georgian SSR in Soviet times. Ossetia, as a single
whole, was part of the Russian Empire, and only in the Soviet period
was it divided into north and south. Under Soviet law, Soviet republics
(SSRs) could secede from the Union but in this case the autonomous
republics (ASSRs) had the right do decide by a referendum to leave or
to stay. This right of Abkhazia and South Osetia to self-determination
has been trampled. Georgia tried to conquer the autonomous territories
by force, and in response both the Abkhaz and the Ossetians defended
their right to independence. Pridnestrovie has also independently
maintained its military defense. Whatever the opponents might say,
it is a fact that the Russian army did not take part in the conflicts
in these territories.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Abkhazia, South Ossetia
and Pridnestrovie have not found themselves under someone else's
jurisdiction. Ever since the Soviet Union disintegrated, they have
'de facto' been governing themselves independently. Most of the
inhabitants of these republics have over the years adopted Russian
citizenship. An overwhelming majority. So Russia is responsible for
the safety of its citizens."
If Russia recognizes the independence of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and
Pridnestrovie, then this will complicate its future relations not
just with Georgia and Moldova, but also with the West. Doesn't this
worry you?
" - This is the main argument used by enemies of official
recognition. But from a legal standpoint, any unilateral recognition
of the independence of Kosovo by Western countries will open the
possibility for Russia to also recognize the sovereign status of the
unrecognized countries in the former Soviet Union.
With regard to relations with Georgia, they are already at a freezing
point and this is not the fault of Russia. Some in our leadership
adhere to a dubious thesis: Reward your enemies, because for your
friends the reward is the friendship itself. According to this logic,
we lost a lot in Georgia: We did not intervene during the Ajarian
conflict, and we withdraw our military bases. In return, we didn't
even obtain as much as a thank-you.
The authorities of Georgia have always behaved dishonorably both with
respect to the Russian peacekeepers and against the inhabitants of
the unrecognized countries. Frankly speaking, the issue is a matter
of international law and not in relations with Georgia and Moldova.
But here's how much of the Russian establishment reaches its decisions:
Avoid confronting the world's superpower on occasions which are not
central to Russia's interests. Instead, it is desirable for Russia to
assert itself with the West in order to restore the sovereignty of our
country. This doesn't mean that Russia can't re-emerge without US-EU
agreement. Only that if they constantly interfere with us and trigger
conflicts - and the West has this option - the economic development
of Russia will be slower and will cost us more."
If the preservation of Yugoslavia wasn't important enough for Russia,
why do the unrecognized countries matter?
" - I am certain that if, after Kosovo, Russia does not recognize
post-Soviet republics, we will have a problem for ourselves in the
years ahead in the Russian North Caucasus and the general negative
attitude among voters to the leadership inside the Russia itself. Our
people are extremely sensitive to situations where they perceive
injustice and betrayal, and will not accept any half-finished remedies.
I propose a way for us to prepare for recognition which will minimize
the diplomatic fallout. Under the current circumstances we should
first of all talk about the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia,
which both border on Russia, and then secondly about Pridnestrovie.
And I am not convinced that Russia is obligated to recognize them
first. It is necessary in the process of international negotiations
to gather a unique "club" of countries that could recognize them,
and such countries already exist. For instance, Belarus or Venezuela,
whose parliament, by the way, sent election observers to Tskhinvali.
Of course, the West will launch a shitstorm of criticism against
Russia. So what? We will not cut them off from our oil and gas. It
is time to stop being worried about the inferiority complex which
is so obviously present among Russian politicians. Everyone knows:
America is brave and patriotic against enemies which it knows are
weak but tries not to engage those who can stand up to it since that
comes at a higher price."
By Helen Pestruhina, 01/Aug/2007
Tiraspol Times & Weekly Review, Moldova
July 31 2007
It is necessary in the process of international negotiations to gather
a unique "club" of countries that could recognize Pridnestrovie,
South Ossetia and Abkhazia. So says Russian MP Konstantin Zatulin,
a specialist on the democratic right to self-determination. In this
interview, he adds that such countries already exist.
Influential Duma-MP Konstantin Zatulin says that a "club" of existing
countries must be formed to recognize PridnestrovieMOSCOW (Tiraspol
Times) - Russia shouldn't necessarily be the first country to recognize
Pridnestrovie and the other 'de facto' states on the post-Soviet
space, believes influential Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin. Instead,
it will be necessary to bring together a small group of countries who
will be ready to recognize Pridnestrovie and the others. As Zatulin
confirms in this interview, these countries already exist.
Now is the time to work on preparing this group of countries for what
will happen after Kosovo's expected independence declaration. Russia
will address the long-pending status settlement issues surrounding
Pridnestrovie, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which in the opinion of
Konstantin Zatulin should have been recognized as independent states
a long time ago. Konstantin Zatulin is an influential Russian MP and
foreign policy specialist. Apart from being a deputy to the State
Dume, Russia's lower house, he is also director of the Institute of
the Commonwealth of Independent States, CIS. He is also a frequent
visitor to Pridnestrovie and familiar with the internal situation of
the largest of the unrecognized countries in the former Soviet Union.
Will Kosovo be a precedent for the recognition of the independence
of Abkhazia, South Ossetia or Pridnestrovie?
" - Regardless of how much the West might claim that "Kosovo is unique"
and sui generis, any recognition of the independence of the province
against the will of Serbia is a clear and obvious precedent.
There are clear parallels with the unrecognized countries of the former
USSR: Ethnic conflicts emerged in the process of disintegration of the
previously existing state, wars erupted which now present an obstacle
to a political solution, and the outside interest of third parties can
not be excluded. Kosovo is only "unique" in the sense that the Kosovo
Albanians never fought alone for their independence - they were able
to state their independence claim with the backing of NATO convoys.
>From the very beginning, the political goal was always to dismember
Yugoslavia and its geopolitical role, and NATO's military actions
against Yugoslavia followed this purpose. If we look at history,
Germany has always tried to prevent a strong Slavic state from existing
in the Balkans. The other day, the German Ambassador to Serbia issued
a threat: allegedly, if the Serbs won't accept the independence
of Kosovo, a number of other "problem areas" will appear such as
Vojvodina (where there is a Hungarian minority) and the country in
general will disintegrate.
For the United States, Yugoslavia became a convenient pretext to
strengthen its military presence in Europe. In Kosovo they built the
largest American military base in the world, outside of the United
States (Camp Bondsteel, ed.). Perhaps this foreign occupation is
the reason for the insistence of the recognition of "independence"
of the Kosovo?
In words, Russia has always condemned the NATO war against Yugoslavia,
but the actions of Russia have not always been consistent. After prime
minister Primakov initially sent friendly airplanes to Yugoslavia as a
sign of protest against the NATO bombings, Russia was then represented
in its negotiations on Yugoslavia by Victor Chernomyrdin, who wanted
to demonstrate his loyalty to Western policy.
Now it is different: Russia will not waiver from its opinion that
he independence of Kosovo is only possible with Serbian consent. We
possess veto rights, and no UN resolution on the independence of
Kosovo will pass. This has provided encouragement for the Serbian
people. Pro-Western politicians within Serbia can not, even if they
want to, announce their capitulation on this issue because they will
immediately become political corpses.
In this situation, the West will begin the scenario of unilateral
recognition of an independent Kosovo. First, Albania will recognize
Kosovo. Then, perhaps, some third country, followed in quick succession
also by recognition from the USA and European countries.
And inevitably, Russia is bound to raise the question of recognizing
the independence of the post-Soviet republics. This is an additional
fact which impels Russia to stand firm on the Kosovo issue."
Please explain...
" - In Russia there is no complete consensus regarding the timeliness
of recognition of the unrecognized countries. There is a desire
to delay and draw out the moment until it is necessary to take a
decision on them. I personally think that they should have already
been recognized as independent states, and that this recognition
is now overdue. Because South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Pridnestrovie and
Nagorno-Karabakh, I might add, have more historical, legal, and
political grounds for independence than Kosovo.
Historically, South Osetia and Abkhazia have never been part of the
composition of the State of Georgia. These territories (without the
consent of the inhabitants!) were included within the administrative
boundaries of the Georgian SSR in Soviet times. Ossetia, as a single
whole, was part of the Russian Empire, and only in the Soviet period
was it divided into north and south. Under Soviet law, Soviet republics
(SSRs) could secede from the Union but in this case the autonomous
republics (ASSRs) had the right do decide by a referendum to leave or
to stay. This right of Abkhazia and South Osetia to self-determination
has been trampled. Georgia tried to conquer the autonomous territories
by force, and in response both the Abkhaz and the Ossetians defended
their right to independence. Pridnestrovie has also independently
maintained its military defense. Whatever the opponents might say,
it is a fact that the Russian army did not take part in the conflicts
in these territories.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Abkhazia, South Ossetia
and Pridnestrovie have not found themselves under someone else's
jurisdiction. Ever since the Soviet Union disintegrated, they have
'de facto' been governing themselves independently. Most of the
inhabitants of these republics have over the years adopted Russian
citizenship. An overwhelming majority. So Russia is responsible for
the safety of its citizens."
If Russia recognizes the independence of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and
Pridnestrovie, then this will complicate its future relations not
just with Georgia and Moldova, but also with the West. Doesn't this
worry you?
" - This is the main argument used by enemies of official
recognition. But from a legal standpoint, any unilateral recognition
of the independence of Kosovo by Western countries will open the
possibility for Russia to also recognize the sovereign status of the
unrecognized countries in the former Soviet Union.
With regard to relations with Georgia, they are already at a freezing
point and this is not the fault of Russia. Some in our leadership
adhere to a dubious thesis: Reward your enemies, because for your
friends the reward is the friendship itself. According to this logic,
we lost a lot in Georgia: We did not intervene during the Ajarian
conflict, and we withdraw our military bases. In return, we didn't
even obtain as much as a thank-you.
The authorities of Georgia have always behaved dishonorably both with
respect to the Russian peacekeepers and against the inhabitants of
the unrecognized countries. Frankly speaking, the issue is a matter
of international law and not in relations with Georgia and Moldova.
But here's how much of the Russian establishment reaches its decisions:
Avoid confronting the world's superpower on occasions which are not
central to Russia's interests. Instead, it is desirable for Russia to
assert itself with the West in order to restore the sovereignty of our
country. This doesn't mean that Russia can't re-emerge without US-EU
agreement. Only that if they constantly interfere with us and trigger
conflicts - and the West has this option - the economic development
of Russia will be slower and will cost us more."
If the preservation of Yugoslavia wasn't important enough for Russia,
why do the unrecognized countries matter?
" - I am certain that if, after Kosovo, Russia does not recognize
post-Soviet republics, we will have a problem for ourselves in the
years ahead in the Russian North Caucasus and the general negative
attitude among voters to the leadership inside the Russia itself. Our
people are extremely sensitive to situations where they perceive
injustice and betrayal, and will not accept any half-finished remedies.
I propose a way for us to prepare for recognition which will minimize
the diplomatic fallout. Under the current circumstances we should
first of all talk about the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia,
which both border on Russia, and then secondly about Pridnestrovie.
And I am not convinced that Russia is obligated to recognize them
first. It is necessary in the process of international negotiations
to gather a unique "club" of countries that could recognize them,
and such countries already exist. For instance, Belarus or Venezuela,
whose parliament, by the way, sent election observers to Tskhinvali.
Of course, the West will launch a shitstorm of criticism against
Russia. So what? We will not cut them off from our oil and gas. It
is time to stop being worried about the inferiority complex which
is so obviously present among Russian politicians. Everyone knows:
America is brave and patriotic against enemies which it knows are
weak but tries not to engage those who can stand up to it since that
comes at a higher price."