Упрощенная HTML-версия
Authors: A. Azimov
Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OSCE
THE OSCE SUMMIT IN ASTANA (Kazakhstan)
held after an 11-year break was undoubtedly a sig-
nificant event in the recent life of the Organization.
In the final analysis, the very fact of a meeting be-
tween Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian heads of state
and government aimed at restoring the culture of
political dialogue within the OSCE and setting po-
litical guidelines for further progress was very im-
portant.
Much of the credit for this goes to Kazakhstan.
Such a large-scale event could hardly have taken
place under any other Chairmanship. The OSCE participating states have paid tribute to a country
which in the 19 years of its existence has made impressive progress in all areas of its national devel-
opment and has successfully borne the burden of directing a number of large international organi-
zations.
We are not inclined to dramatize the fact that the Astana Summit failed to reach consensus on an
Action Plan. From the very beginning, this over-detailed document had little chance of success due
to attempts by some countries to include their own priorities (particularly regarding regional conflicts)
that were obviously incompatible with the position and international law obligations of other states.
High-level meetings are no substitute for painstaking crisis management work.
Russia's position on a Transnistrian settlement was just as constructive: once again we emphasized
the importance of resuming formal negotiations in the "5 plus 2" format. We expect the OSCE to
make progress after the Astana meeting. At the same time, we should all learn our lessons from the
Summit. It is necessary to rise above narrow national priorities and learn to look for compromises in
the common interest.
On the whole, we believe that the OSCE has enough resources and instruments to play a constructive
role in European affairs. We have a unique chance to restore the original and main purpose of the
Organization: to serve as a forum for broad, open and equal political dialogue between states on the
key issues of cooperation and security. Acting as an effective mechanism for the regional implemen-
tation of universal instruments of international law in all areas (be it maintaining politico-military
security, promoting conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, addressing transnational threats
and challenges, fostering economic and environmental cooperation, or protecting human rights), the
OSCE can make a substantial contribution to the construction of a common and indivisible security
community stretching from Vancouver to Vladivostok.
The main thing now is to embody the spirit of Astana in concrete agreements and documents. In
this respect, the Russian side is prepared for constructive and fruitful cooperation with future OSCE
Chairmanships - Lithuania, Ireland and Ukraine - in developing practical steps towards a common
and indivisible security community.
Электронное приложение к журналу «
Международная жизнь
»
On the Results of the OSCE Summit in Astana