Press Conference following the Collective Security Treaty Organisation Summit.Part 2
September 5, 2008
The Kremlin, Moscow
Пресс-конференция по итогам заседания Совета коллективной безопасности ОДКБ.
5 сентября 2008 года
Москва, Кремль
I would like to thank separately all of my colleagues for their work together. We have indeed had a very substantial and productive discussion, a serious discussion that has taken into consideration the recent events. And I want to express my sincere wishes of success to Armenias representative, Serzh Azatovich [Sargsyan], who has taken over the presidency now.
Thank you.
QUESTION: Please tell me, yesterday at a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the CSTO in Moscow the ministers adopted a joint declaration in which representatives of all CSTO countries unanimously express their specific position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In particular, they condemn the aggression committed by Georgia against South Ossetia. What is the position of the heads of state in this regard? Perhaps you also adopted some documents? Thank you.
D. MEDVEDEV: As I just said, the heads of state, have also expressed their common position on this issue. And so as not to make unsubstantiated claims, I will just read out some of the provisions of the Declaration that we just adopted.
What does it say?
The CSTO member states are deeply concerned over Georgias attempt to resolve the conflict in South Ossetia by force, an act that has caused numerous victims among civilians and peacekeepers, as well as severe humanitarian consequences.
Further. "CSTO member states are concerned about the growing military capabilities and escalating tensions in the Caucasus region and call on all countries to make a balanced and objective assessment of events in the Caucasus, free of double standard, and not to undertake any action that could provoke an escalation in the situation.
Members of the Organisation have consistently advocated the primacy of the rule of international law in international relations and the maintenance of peace and security, and welcome the peace settlement principles drawn up by the President of Russia and the President of France, as well as call on the parties to observe the rigorous implementation of these principles in order to prevent further attempts to resolve the conflict using force as well as to ensure stability in the region.
Member states support Russias active role in facilitating peace and cooperation in the region and are in favour of lasting security for South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
CSTO member states express the need for continued cooperation in re-establishing an effective mechanism for control over the various weapons .
For obvious reasons, the Declaration is a long one and not only devoted to developments in the Caucasus: there are many very important and significant points concerning the situation in Europe, the proliferation of medium- and short-range ground-based missiles, strengthening the role of the United Nations, as well as the situation in several conflict zones, the situation in Afghanistan, the situation around Iran, the prospects of establishing relations between the CSTO and NATO in a number of issues, and support for the initiatives of the Russian Federation relating to a treaty on European security.
Thus, on the basis of this Declaration you can judge the real, tangible intentions CSTO member states.
QUESTION: This question is addressed to all the participants of the press conference, if possible.
The CSTO is a relatively young organisation with good potential for development. What do you think you need to do for the organisation to quickly become a truly effective and authoritative international organisation, whose opinion will be listened to by the great powers of this world?
DMITRY MEDVEDEV: May I first say two words? I believe that the Organisations members are also great powers and this is why the Organisation has such a responsibility.
Indeed, our organisation is young but very promising. And in order to raise its profile, in addition to concerted actions -- especially in times of crisis, like that in the Caucasus -- we need to step up cooperation on all fronts. With regards to ensuring regional and interregional security, preventing emergency situations, engaging in disaster management and, last but not least, based on the nature of the organisation, its military component.
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Serzh Sargsyan responds to Elmar Mammadyarov's statementby uzogh37,722 views
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