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IF THE OSCE DID NOT EXIST, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE CREATED - MORATINOS
Daily Georgian Times
Interfax
2007.09.13 12:35
Georgia
Caucasus
OSCE Chairman-in Office and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel
Moratinos, currently on a visit to Russia, speaks on the main items on
the international agenda and the priorities of OSCE activity during
Spain's presidency at the organization in an interview with Interfax
journalists Olga Golovanova and Yekaterina Komissar.
Mister Moratinos, your personal representative at the probe into the
'missile incident' visited Russia and Georgia last week. What does
his report deal with?
My personal representative will deliver the report to the OSCE
Permanent Council in Vienna next week. All OSCE member states will
learn the contents of the report there. However, the main conclusion
contained in [Miomir] Zuzul's report is that dialogue between Russia
and Georgia is needed.
I hope our conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
will contribute to an improved relationship between Russia and Georgia.
What is the goal of the Spanish Prime Minster Jose Luis Rodriguez
Zapatero's forthcoming visit to Russia?
What are the priorities on the agenda of his visit?
Prime Minister Zapatero will visit Russia in late September in order
to strengthen the current brilliant relationship between Spain and
Russia. Zapatero will be paying his third visit to Russia. I would
like to remind you that Russian President Vladimir Putin visited
Madrid in 2006.
We hope that the prime minister's visit will contribute to closing
the positions between our leaders and will strengthen confidence in
bilateral relations. They will be able to discuss bilateral relations
and the international agenda.
Political dialogue between Spain and Russia, trade and economic
relations, Spanish investment in Russia, and culture and energy will
be discussed within the framework of the visit. The international
problems that will be discussed include the situation in the Middle
East, Iran, the Balkans, and Spain's presidency at the OSCE.
It is common knowledge that Spain is the eighth largest economy in
the world, where Russia also plays an important role. The two leaders
should synchronize their positions. They will discuss terrorism,
climate change, and migration. The meeting will be important for
both parties.
You said that energy will be discussed at the meeting. Does this deal
with joint projects?
It is well known that Spain is more oriented toward Northern Africa,
the Maghreb. However, the international situation is developing in
such a way that energy relations with a country like Russia need to
be developed. Spain, as a member of the European Union, would like
to play a specific role in the development of further cooperation
between Russia and the EU.
Mister Moratinos, Russia has on many occasions underscored that the
OSCE needs reform in order to make it a full-fledged international
organization, in particular to develop its charter. Russia has also
accused the OSCE of an incapability to adjust itself to the present-day
situation, and of paying attention to humanitarian issues at the
expense of security and economic issues. Could you comment on this?
Russia's concerns are partly justified. Indeed, the OSCE should
adjust to the new challenges and threats of the 21st century. From
this point of view, I should note that the Spanish presidency of
the OSCE is paying considerable attention to Russia's proposals to
reform the organization. At the same time, our presidency pays the
same amount of attention to all dimensions of OSCE activity. We also
pay attention to military and political security, and we discuss the
status of the organization itself.
I think that we will have an opportunity to give additional impetus to
the solution of the issue of the OSCE charter at a ministerial meeting
of OSCE members in Madrid in November. Of course, all countries should
make efforts.
I should also point out that the Spanish presidency views military
and political cooperation, particularly in the area of countering
terrorism, as crucial. We are striving to give additional impetus to
the resolution of frozen conflicts and to introduce a family spirit
in the OSCE, which should become a priority of the organization.
However, we have not forgotten about the economic and environmental
facets of our work. A document on environmental protection may be
developed at the OSCE ministerial meeting in Madrid.
Finally, it is quite natural that humanitarian aspects are
important for us. I must say that we have done a good job during
various electoral campaigns, for example the recent election in
Kazakhstan. Ukraine will also hold elections soon, and two days after
the ministerial meeting in Madrid we hope to take part in the Russian
electoral process.
We are developing; we are fighting intolerance against Muslims and
anti-Semitism. A meeting which will focus on tools and measures that
will be used to counter manifestations of intolerance against Muslims
will take place in Cordoba, Andalusia, in October.
Today, the OSCE is an organization that is in demand more than ever
before. I must say that if the OSCE did not exist, it would have to
be created, because it allows its member states to find common ground
on crucial issues such as security and cooperation.
Russia has frequently criticized the activity of the OSCE's Office
for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which monitors the
elections. Russia believes that the ODIHR applies double standards when
it monitors the elections on post-Soviet territory. Could you comment
on this? Does the OSCE plan to monitor the parliamentary elections
in Russia, and if so, how many observers does it want to send?
The OSCE enters political life only when it is invited to a country
holding elections. I am convinced that the Russian leadership will
invite the OSCE to take part in the elections. It seems to me that
the OSCE's participation should be viewed in positive manner. The OSCE
should help the Russian agencies organizing the elections. In no case
should the organization be treated as a foe. Russia is a member of the
organization and it that is why it should protect common principles.
There have been certain controversies between the ODIHR and the
Parliamentary Assembly over elections. I think the Spanish presidency
has managed to make these two organizations work more efficiently. In
any case, the recent elections in Armenia and Kazakhstan were
satisfactory. We hope this will be the case in Russia as well.
I think the elections in Russia will be held in a good manner, within
the framework of electoral legislation. It seems that the OSCE will
not have any problems.
I cannot say how many OSCE observers will monitor the elections in
Russia. Russia is a huge country. The issue is for experts to decide,
they should determine the number of observers in the regions.
What is Spain's position on the status of Kosovo? Do you think that
were the region granted independence it would create an international
precedent? Are you concerned by the Basque issue from this viewpoint?
Kosovo has no relation to territorial and administrative divisions in
Spain from either a political, diplomatic or a legal position. However,
we are concerned by the Kosovo situation and its influence on security
in the Balkans.
Our position is that diplomatic efforts should be made in order to find
a solution acceptable to every party which comply with international
legislation. I think that the efforts of various countries will
result in proposals being developed that meet the requirements of
all the parties.
The Kosovo problem is primarily a problem of a European scale to
Spain. Europeans should compromise to solve the issue. It is important
for Spain that unity within the framework of the EU is maintained,
that no attempts to make unilateral actions are made before the EU
develops a common position on the issue.
However, we would like that new efforts and contacts made by
representatives of the EU, the United States and Russia have resulted
in a certain agreement. It is well known that the Balkan states are
applying for EU membership. If they want to be real Europeans, they
should of course listen to what Europeans are saying.
And we, as Europeans, should decide on what we want to do and what
our actions should be to prevent instability and crises in this part
of Europe. We should somehow urge the parties to come to a mutually
acceptable solution.
How do you view Russia's decision to introduce a moratorium on the
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty?
As OSCE chairman-in-office I was concerned by this from the very
beginning. However, I think that if we all use the moratorium
to continue further talks, the situation will be profitable for
everyone. It is possible that Russia's opinion will contribute to
helping the signatories of the CFE Treaty, which are concerned by
the situation, to come up with a position on the issue.
I will tell Mr. Lavrov about my decision to appoint an employee of
my ministry to be in charge of CFE Treaty issues only.
My goal is to see a statement stating that we all want the [adapted
CFE] treaty to be ratified and that there is political will to solve
all problems related to the application of the treaty signed at the
ministerial meeting in Madrid. Of course, we will negotiate this.
Mister Moratinos, is Spain is concerned by the U.S.' plans to deploy
elements of its national missile defense in Europe and does Russia's
position receive backing in Madrid? What is the most appropriate
rostrum to discuss missile defense issues?
Every party can solve NMD related issues at a bilateral level. That is
why Poland and the Czech Republic have the right to set up particular
relations with the U.S. This right should be respected.
However, the issue should be looked at from an international
angle. This requires negotiations and explanations. We have always
thought that there should be dialogue between the United States
and Russia. That is why the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) pays so much
attention to asking the U.S. to explain every aspect of its decision.
It would be perfect if dialogue between Russian and the
U.S. continues. We desire that all explanations are presented with
transparency and clarity.
Daily Georgian Times
Interfax
2007.09.13 12:35
Georgia
Caucasus
OSCE Chairman-in Office and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel
Moratinos, currently on a visit to Russia, speaks on the main items on
the international agenda and the priorities of OSCE activity during
Spain's presidency at the organization in an interview with Interfax
journalists Olga Golovanova and Yekaterina Komissar.
Mister Moratinos, your personal representative at the probe into the
'missile incident' visited Russia and Georgia last week. What does
his report deal with?
My personal representative will deliver the report to the OSCE
Permanent Council in Vienna next week. All OSCE member states will
learn the contents of the report there. However, the main conclusion
contained in [Miomir] Zuzul's report is that dialogue between Russia
and Georgia is needed.
I hope our conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
will contribute to an improved relationship between Russia and Georgia.
What is the goal of the Spanish Prime Minster Jose Luis Rodriguez
Zapatero's forthcoming visit to Russia?
What are the priorities on the agenda of his visit?
Prime Minister Zapatero will visit Russia in late September in order
to strengthen the current brilliant relationship between Spain and
Russia. Zapatero will be paying his third visit to Russia. I would
like to remind you that Russian President Vladimir Putin visited
Madrid in 2006.
We hope that the prime minister's visit will contribute to closing
the positions between our leaders and will strengthen confidence in
bilateral relations. They will be able to discuss bilateral relations
and the international agenda.
Political dialogue between Spain and Russia, trade and economic
relations, Spanish investment in Russia, and culture and energy will
be discussed within the framework of the visit. The international
problems that will be discussed include the situation in the Middle
East, Iran, the Balkans, and Spain's presidency at the OSCE.
It is common knowledge that Spain is the eighth largest economy in
the world, where Russia also plays an important role. The two leaders
should synchronize their positions. They will discuss terrorism,
climate change, and migration. The meeting will be important for
both parties.
You said that energy will be discussed at the meeting. Does this deal
with joint projects?
It is well known that Spain is more oriented toward Northern Africa,
the Maghreb. However, the international situation is developing in
such a way that energy relations with a country like Russia need to
be developed. Spain, as a member of the European Union, would like
to play a specific role in the development of further cooperation
between Russia and the EU.
Mister Moratinos, Russia has on many occasions underscored that the
OSCE needs reform in order to make it a full-fledged international
organization, in particular to develop its charter. Russia has also
accused the OSCE of an incapability to adjust itself to the present-day
situation, and of paying attention to humanitarian issues at the
expense of security and economic issues. Could you comment on this?
Russia's concerns are partly justified. Indeed, the OSCE should
adjust to the new challenges and threats of the 21st century. From
this point of view, I should note that the Spanish presidency of
the OSCE is paying considerable attention to Russia's proposals to
reform the organization. At the same time, our presidency pays the
same amount of attention to all dimensions of OSCE activity. We also
pay attention to military and political security, and we discuss the
status of the organization itself.
I think that we will have an opportunity to give additional impetus to
the solution of the issue of the OSCE charter at a ministerial meeting
of OSCE members in Madrid in November. Of course, all countries should
make efforts.
I should also point out that the Spanish presidency views military
and political cooperation, particularly in the area of countering
terrorism, as crucial. We are striving to give additional impetus to
the resolution of frozen conflicts and to introduce a family spirit
in the OSCE, which should become a priority of the organization.
However, we have not forgotten about the economic and environmental
facets of our work. A document on environmental protection may be
developed at the OSCE ministerial meeting in Madrid.
Finally, it is quite natural that humanitarian aspects are
important for us. I must say that we have done a good job during
various electoral campaigns, for example the recent election in
Kazakhstan. Ukraine will also hold elections soon, and two days after
the ministerial meeting in Madrid we hope to take part in the Russian
electoral process.
We are developing; we are fighting intolerance against Muslims and
anti-Semitism. A meeting which will focus on tools and measures that
will be used to counter manifestations of intolerance against Muslims
will take place in Cordoba, Andalusia, in October.
Today, the OSCE is an organization that is in demand more than ever
before. I must say that if the OSCE did not exist, it would have to
be created, because it allows its member states to find common ground
on crucial issues such as security and cooperation.
Russia has frequently criticized the activity of the OSCE's Office
for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which monitors the
elections. Russia believes that the ODIHR applies double standards when
it monitors the elections on post-Soviet territory. Could you comment
on this? Does the OSCE plan to monitor the parliamentary elections
in Russia, and if so, how many observers does it want to send?
The OSCE enters political life only when it is invited to a country
holding elections. I am convinced that the Russian leadership will
invite the OSCE to take part in the elections. It seems to me that
the OSCE's participation should be viewed in positive manner. The OSCE
should help the Russian agencies organizing the elections. In no case
should the organization be treated as a foe. Russia is a member of the
organization and it that is why it should protect common principles.
There have been certain controversies between the ODIHR and the
Parliamentary Assembly over elections. I think the Spanish presidency
has managed to make these two organizations work more efficiently. In
any case, the recent elections in Armenia and Kazakhstan were
satisfactory. We hope this will be the case in Russia as well.
I think the elections in Russia will be held in a good manner, within
the framework of electoral legislation. It seems that the OSCE will
not have any problems.
I cannot say how many OSCE observers will monitor the elections in
Russia. Russia is a huge country. The issue is for experts to decide,
they should determine the number of observers in the regions.
What is Spain's position on the status of Kosovo? Do you think that
were the region granted independence it would create an international
precedent? Are you concerned by the Basque issue from this viewpoint?
Kosovo has no relation to territorial and administrative divisions in
Spain from either a political, diplomatic or a legal position. However,
we are concerned by the Kosovo situation and its influence on security
in the Balkans.
Our position is that diplomatic efforts should be made in order to find
a solution acceptable to every party which comply with international
legislation. I think that the efforts of various countries will
result in proposals being developed that meet the requirements of
all the parties.
The Kosovo problem is primarily a problem of a European scale to
Spain. Europeans should compromise to solve the issue. It is important
for Spain that unity within the framework of the EU is maintained,
that no attempts to make unilateral actions are made before the EU
develops a common position on the issue.
However, we would like that new efforts and contacts made by
representatives of the EU, the United States and Russia have resulted
in a certain agreement. It is well known that the Balkan states are
applying for EU membership. If they want to be real Europeans, they
should of course listen to what Europeans are saying.
And we, as Europeans, should decide on what we want to do and what
our actions should be to prevent instability and crises in this part
of Europe. We should somehow urge the parties to come to a mutually
acceptable solution.
How do you view Russia's decision to introduce a moratorium on the
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty?
As OSCE chairman-in-office I was concerned by this from the very
beginning. However, I think that if we all use the moratorium
to continue further talks, the situation will be profitable for
everyone. It is possible that Russia's opinion will contribute to
helping the signatories of the CFE Treaty, which are concerned by
the situation, to come up with a position on the issue.
I will tell Mr. Lavrov about my decision to appoint an employee of
my ministry to be in charge of CFE Treaty issues only.
My goal is to see a statement stating that we all want the [adapted
CFE] treaty to be ratified and that there is political will to solve
all problems related to the application of the treaty signed at the
ministerial meeting in Madrid. Of course, we will negotiate this.
Mister Moratinos, is Spain is concerned by the U.S.' plans to deploy
elements of its national missile defense in Europe and does Russia's
position receive backing in Madrid? What is the most appropriate
rostrum to discuss missile defense issues?
Every party can solve NMD related issues at a bilateral level. That is
why Poland and the Czech Republic have the right to set up particular
relations with the U.S. This right should be respected.
However, the issue should be looked at from an international
angle. This requires negotiations and explanations. We have always
thought that there should be dialogue between the United States
and Russia. That is why the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) pays so much
attention to asking the U.S. to explain every aspect of its decision.
It would be perfect if dialogue between Russian and the
U.S. continues. We desire that all explanations are presented with
transparency and clarity.