Report
CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha at the Seventh International Conference on the theme: "The state of and prospects for interaction between CSTO with the international structures for regional collective security"

Moscow, 18 Dec., 2008

Dear participants of the conference!

I sincerely glad to welcome all who come to our forum, the participants and guests of today's event, which I am sure, will give us a good opportunity to discuss and form of future joint work.

On this occasion I would like to congratulate the leaders of the Federation Council of Federal Assembly of Russian Federation with a 15-year anniversary since its inception. Since then, the Federation Council has become an authoritative and responsible government authorities, he was the initiator and conductor of many critical public undertakings.

There are currently more than 300 intergovernmental international organizations within its competence, participate in various international and regional issues, including security. In these circumstances the most important factor in their success in today's geopolitical situation becomes establish effective interaction among themselves as globally, and in the Eurasian space. It predetermines the relevance of the discussion themes of the conference and it was obvious practical interest.

Of particular importance to the CSTO, of course, are matters of security of Member States in its various dimensions, so much so that the military-political situation in recent months, growing very rapidly.

The aggressive actions of Georgia in August 2008 forced the Russian Federation to use force to protect the people of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. At a meeting of the Collective Security Council on 5 September this year Moscow allies Russia on the CSTO expressed deep concern over the actions of Georgia, leading to numerous deaths and serious humanitarian consequences. At the same time recognizing the new republics of Russia as subjects of international law as the only means to ensure their long-term security caused severe negative reaction from some Western countries and their associations.

Continue to pursue a plan to expand NATO's military infrastructure and the advancement of the Alliance to the borders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Articulated by the North Atlantic Council in Brussels on recent decisions show that the agenda remains the question of accession to the Alliance of Georgia and Ukraine, are now bypassing the provision of the Plan of Action for membership in the new format in the so-called "annual national programs". In fact, embodied the idea, which is expected to receive formal establishment on the anniversary NATO summit in spring 2009 in Strasbourg is the establishment on the basis of the so-called Alliance "Responsible Community of Democracies" by attracting new partners in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world and to transform it into a global security organization.

With regard to the deployment of U.S. missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic emphasize that this leads to unleash a new arms race on the European continent. We look forward to a balanced and constructive position of the new American administration on this issue.

In this connection I should like to reiterate the importance of the principle of indivisibility of security on the European continent. We believe that no State or association of countries should not ensure its security by its neighbors and partners. CSTO in its activities has consistently adhered to the principle of equal security for all players in the Euro-Atlantic space. We believe that only in the CSTO cooperation with the OSCE, NATO, EU and other actors in the region, you can make a real contribution to the creation of a new security architecture that does not prevent the recurrence of aggression and the resumption of "frozen" conflicts.

Increasing instability and on the southern edge of the Organization. Despite the efforts of the international community's deteriorating military and political situation in Afghanistan, increase the activity of extremist and terrorist groups, especially the Taliban. Ongoing large-scale infiltration of fighters from the troubled Pakistan itself. Accretion terrorism with drug trafficking has led to a catastrophic deterioration in the drug situation in Afghanistan, which is essentially out of control. There remains the unresolved issue of Iran's nuclear program. Iraq remains a hotbed of tension. A major concern is the recent terrorist attacks in India committed with a special cynicism.

Under these conditions, to stabilize the global situation and the need to develop a set of coordinated actions the international community, overcoming fragmentation and duplication of various inter-state structures in the Eurasian space.

In the Collective Security Treaty Organization has carefully analyzed the situation and is taking measures to counter global threats and challenges. In recent years, the dynamic development of the CSTO has significant experience of practical cooperation in the fields of military, foreign policy, collective fight against drug trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism and extremism. One means of achieving the goals of the CSTO is the interaction with international and regional organizations.

The centerpiece of this cooperation are related to the core organization of global security - the United Nations. CSTO has observer status at the UN General Assembly. In collaboration with the UN Collective Security Treaty Organization is the practice of regular consultations of the foreign policy of permanent representatives of CSTO member at the UN.

In addition, the expanded relationship with the specialized structures of the UN system. Have been taken necessary steps to establish relations with the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UN Security Council and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The utility acquires for the CSTO cooperation with the Department of the UN Secretariat on peacekeeping, particularly in relation to the formation within the CSTO own peacekeeping capacity and the prospect of the Organization's involvement in peacekeeping operations under UN mandate.

In order to establish effective cooperation between the UN and regional associations of the Collective Security Treaty Organization intends to take an active part in the work of the Standing Committee on Relations with the UN regional organizations.

But of course, the most advanced are our relations with the structures in the post-Soviet space.

Particular importance is attached to working together with the Commonwealth of Independent States, which has the greatest experience of international cooperation of former Soviet republics. In a CIS functioning institutions and narabotana extensive regulatory legal framework for the entire range of integration issues, including security problems.

Further deepening interaction with the CIS possibly through joint efforts on specific areas within the agreed programs. There consider how to intensify the joint implementation of existing agreements and to ensure mutually beneficial use of our capabilities, especially as the most active member countries of the CIS Member States are the CSTO. The greatest challenge here is to take a political decision on a clear delineation of responsibility and his legal consolidation.

In accordance with a protocol cooperation with the Secretariat of the Integration Committee of Eurasian Economic Community is based on the annual plan, held regular meetings at the level of general secretaries, their deputies, joint working groups on topics of mutual interest.

I am convinced that the Eurasian Economic Community, in view of the States, is the principal partner of the CSTO in the Eurasian space. Together the two organizations represent, according to D. Medvedev "integration core of CIS". Future activities of the inter-state associations should be as aligned and integrated. Promoting the EAEC in the implementation of major infrastructural and other projects in the common space of our member countries should be accompanied by their security forces of the CSTO collective. At such a close, coordinated interaction aimed list of the main directions of interaction between the two organizations, which agreed at this time. We are really able to utilize the existing potentials in the two organizations for the benefit of each other.

Are in constant contact with the Union State of Russia and Belarus, through which the operation on a bilateral basis to address issues of defense and security.

Great potential for cooperation lies in a parliamentary dimension, which we attach particular importance. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization is actively develops relations with sister institutions of CIS and Eurasian Economic Community, and with other parliamentary groups. Key areas of cooperation are, above all, work on ratification of agreements, harmonization of national legislation and coordinate legislative activities. However, there are important tasks of parliamentary structures, as the coordination of foreign policy and joint work on the most important security issues. The Parliamentary Assembly has made a significant contribution to support the functioning of the CSTO information.

There was a fruitful dialogue with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, especially in post-conflict rehabilitation of Afghanistan. A useful practice is a regular exchange of information with the OSCE Secretary-General. The heads of executive bodies mutually invited to attend the summits of the two organizations, speak at a meeting of the Permanent Council and other forums. Outlined specific areas of cooperation with the Terrorism Unit and the Center for Conflict Prevention.

We intend to continue to closely coordinate with the OSCE in the security and stability in the Eurasian space, given its extensive experience in monitoring and crisis management. Ready to implement joint projects in the sphere of security (training, border security). The most important task of the moment is to achieve a mutual understanding with the joint work on the draft Treaty on European security.

Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (October 2007), which identified possible areas for joint activities. Two rounds of consultations. SCO Secretary-General B. Nurgaliyev attended the meeting, the CSTO Council of Collective Security in Dushanbe (October 2007), the Coordinating Council of the CSTO to counter drug trafficking (March 2008). Allied organizations of the two potentially allows us to jointly counter modern threats and challenges, but in the long term - to agree on a common coordination mechanisms to combat drug trafficking and terrorism. In order to ensure regional security and stability is possible to increase the depth of political cooperation, providing mutual support on issues on the international agenda. Ready to work with and in preparing and holding an international conference on Afghanistan.

Establish contacts with the European Union. In February 2008, at a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy J. Solana, reached an agreement in principle to hold expert consultations, the two organizations to enhance cooperation on several fronts. There is an agreement on joint steps to combat illegal migration and drug trafficking. There are regular working relationship with the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia, P. Morel: regular meeting was held in Moscow on 2 December last It should be given to reach a clearing relationship with the EU on the basis of the document. It is also important to find a mutual understanding between the CSTO and the EU on the draft Treaty on European security. It should consider participating in programs carried out by our organizations in the Central Asian region and the Southern Caucasus.

CSTO and fruitful cooperation with the specialized intergovernmental organizations, such as the Council of Baltic Sea States, the Eurasian Group on combating the legalization of proceeds of crime, the International Organization for Migration, the Interstate Aviation Committee, the International Committee of the Red Cross, etc.

In the Collective Security Treaty Organization to continue to believe that cooperation with NATO could be oboyudopoleznym. The most promising cooperation on Afghan issues, including joint counter the Afghan drug traffic. But it is clear that NATO did not assess the potential direct cooperation with the CSTO and prefers to build a relationship with the Member States Collective Security Treaty Organization on a bilateral basis, including and on the Afghan track.

In the process of interaction between different structures, primarily those in which key players are Member States Collective Security Treaty Organization, we have seen that in order to ensure collective interests must take a series of steps that would allow the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Eurasian Economic Community, CIS, moving on parallel courses, to avoid duplication in their practice and greatly improve the efficiency of inter-state efforts as a whole.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization stands for the full development of political dialogue between integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures and Eurasian space, which includes:

- Regular discussion of the positions and approaches on issues relevant to the activities of the organizations;

- Exchange information on planned and / or implemented contacts and agreements with third countries (organizations);

- Involvement in practical activities carried out under the Collective Security Treaty Organization as well as in other organizations;

- Active participation in conferences, seminars and other events;

- Mutual granting of observer status, associate member, partner.

We have to be responsible and hard working together on a new Treaty on European security, in accordance with the plan which parties can become and international organizations operating in the Euro-Atlantic space. As part of the CSTO movement has already begun: the heads of Member States at the September summit supported the initiative of President D. Medvedev, that was recorded in the Declaration of the Collective Security Council session in November at the last consultations of experts discussed the practical implementation of the initiatives the President of Russia. The foreign ministers and secretaries of the Security Councils of the Collective Security Treaty Organization at its meeting in December this year endorsed a joint statement in support of Russian initiatives.

The proposal to hold a pan-European meeting on the subject during the summer of 2009 believe that the political structures of our region (Collective Security Treaty Organization, Eurasian Economic Community, CIS) would work together on this document and take the initiative to hold a meeting of senior officials of international organizations, operating in Eurasian region (OSCE, EU, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Eurasian Economic Community, CIS, SCO).

At the same time, the CSTO considers the most important line of cooperation, which calls for consolidating all possible efforts, strengthening international arms control and the development of confidence-building measures since the existing agreements and mechanisms in this sphere (primarily CFE) are currently in crisis. In this context, it is worth mentioning the problem of trafficking in small arms and light weapons, as well as man-portable air defense systems, which also must be addressed together.

Like our partners in other international and regional organizations, we advocate strengthening the regime of nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and very much welcome the various collective solution of this problem, and, including Security Initiative to combat the spread of WMD (PSI).

Wide field for joint efforts by several organizations is cooperation in the field of conflict prevention and peacemaking in general. Modern tools that work requires considerable political, human and technical capacities and require the implementation of modern technologies for monitoring and early detection of potential crises that may be valid only if their implementation on a collective basis. Global instability requires constant readiness to implement peacekeeping operations, which is impossible without adequate resources. In this segment of the Collective Security Treaty Organization is interested in cooperation with organizations that are serious experience of peacekeeping efforts, especially the UN and the EU.

Military cooperation is a specific competence CSTO, affecting the most sensitive interests of each state. However, we believe that in collaboration with other organizations to enhance the interoperability of a number of fronts in this area could be, especially with the EAEC.

This is because the issues of military-economic cooperation involve networking of production chains, the creation of joint industries, consideration of other economic aspects. Given the predominantly economic competence EAEC, ready to provide site to search for common approaches to addressing the challenges facing the MIC Member States.

As part of the CSTO signed and entered into force the Agreement on the establishment of a unified system of technical cover railways. Determine the most critical areas needing shields, approved a plan and begin implementation of practical measures in the interaction of national manpower and resources cover technical and railway rehabilitation. We believe that the Council on transport policy in the EurAsEC Integration Committee could assist in organizing such steps.

Considerable potential for cooperation of all regional players based in the area of combating modern challenges and threats. An obvious priority is the fight against illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors.

As part of the CSTO work on this issue is built on the basis of the strategic concept of undermining the economic foundations of the drug through preventive operation "Canal". Over time, her conduct (since 2003) to tangible results for the control of drug trafficking, prevention of offenses in this area, prevented stable channels of smuggling drugs. Have achieved a high level of confidence among national authorities, as evidenced by the nature and content of each of the information, which contains information on assigned leaders and active participants of organized criminal groups involved in drug trafficking. Since 2009, the transaction is scheduled to convert to permanent regional project CSTO, which will move to a qualitatively new level of interstate and interdepartmental cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking as the Central Asian as well as in other areas.

Given the effectiveness of coordinated activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organization to join the operation were other interested countries. We believe that in the same vein, should go for collaborative work of international and regional organizations to develop a concerted effort to prevent the production and transit of drugs. Welcome to connect to "Channel" profile regional structures, for their part are willing to participate in relevant activities, including prevention focus, in other formats.

CSTO has developed cooperation in combating illegal migration. To participate in a special operation "Nelegal" invited including the structure of the European Union and the Council of Baltic Sea States. The most recent was established productive exchange of information that was used in planning and organizing events. We plan to further expand this practice, to coordinate activities and share their effective techniques.

At the highest level in our engagement on this issue with the institutes of EAEC. There is an agreement on joint operation of the Coordinating Council for combating illegal migration and the CSTO Council on migration policy in the EurAsEC Integration Committee. As part of this work has already taken far-reaching decisions, including the establishment of interstate bank data on migrant workers.

On the basis of signed the 2006 protocol on cooperation develops cooperation with the International Organization for Migration. There was a good experience in the mutual participation of experts from the two structures in conferences and consultations on common approaches to solving the problems of illegal migration, which is scheduled to expand in the future.

Although the issue of collective response to emergencies is relatively new to the Collective Security Treaty Organization, there is good potential for collaboration in this area. CSTO Secretariat is working actively with the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC). The plans - cooperation in this regard with the EAEC. We solve the issue of joint expert consultations on the prevention and elimination of emergency in the border areas of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In addition, it is one of the areas of possible cooperation with NATO.

An important aspect is a joint activity on the information front, where the Collective Security Treaty Organization is working on a number of interesting directions, which are, above all, cooperation in information exchange. There are specific measures to create an integrated information system to counter modern threats and challenges in the area under the CSTO, which include both traditional forms of work (meetings, speeches, feature a press conference, diverse interviews, issue press CSTO "Allies"), and large public significant projects (youth and sports activities).

Expanding the network of information centers in the CSTO member states: Information Support Center established in Yerevan, is the harmonization issues for the establishment of such structures in Bishkek, there are practices in their operation and in other regions. In view of the States, one might think about the idea of sharing these structures as the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and EAEC.

Improved analytical work. Regular meetings of the Council of Scientific and expertise ODKB (including in the enlarged), where the topical theme of forming a collective security system in the current geopolitical environment. I think this format interaction excellent opportunity for frank discussion of integration in the Eurasian space and invite all stakeholders to participate in it.

Thus, the field of possible cooperation is rather wide, and many joint steps can provide a useful effect, which will feel all the States concerned. We believe that to start the implementation of the proposed initiatives is highly desirable to have an appropriate consultative mechanism. For its part within the CSTO planned development, negotiation and adoption of the document at a minimum, Action Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization, which would embody principles of relations with international and regional organizations.

We hope that through today's conference, we will be able to discuss all the proposals.