Written Interview with Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, by Andrey Terekhov for ezavisimaya Gazeta (24 June 2008)
1.
What would be the most positive output of the forthcoming EU-Russia summit? This will undoubtedly be the launch of negotiations for a new EU-Russia Agreement. It is in our common interest to negotiate a new Agreement which reflects the depth of our relationship today, rather than our relations ten years ago. The new Agreement should provide a comprehensive framework for our relations for the foreseeable future and help develop the potential of our relationship. We are happy to be able to launch these negotiations at the first summit with President Medvedev, opening a new chapter in our relations.
2.
Analysts claim that a productive development of EU-Russia relations is impossible unless the partners have common interests. Russia and the EU do have common interests in trade and economy. But their interests in the security policy still differ too much. How could you comment on this claim? Is a new agreement between the EU and Russia likely to improve the situation with the lack of common interests? We continue to see Russia as a key strategic partner with which we need to work as closely as possible where we can. There are many areas where we have a clear common interest to pursue cooperation further: not only in terms of greater economic and trade integration, but also in the fight against common threats such as terrorism, drugs and organised crime, as well as in contributing to international security and stability. And there are many areas where the EU and Russia are on the same wave-length, such as the Middle East or Afghanistan. Our cooperation is important in today's world and we look forward to making it increasingly operational. Of course, our positions do not always overlap, but where there are differences they relate more to the past than to the present and future. It does not mean that strategic interests are different and I think that we will see a continued convergence of perceptions and views in the coming years. Moreover, experience over the recent months has shown that in spite of these differences, our relationship has reached a state of maturity, which allows us to discuss our divergences openly without taboos. I am optimistic therefore that the new Agreement will contribute to deepening and strengthening EU-Russia cooperation and dialogue also on European and international security.
3.
Some European experts believe that the EU should first build good and stable relations with Russia and only after that will the Union be able to enjoy good and stable engagement with its Eastern neighbors. What is your perspective on this? It is important for the EU to have good relations with all our neighbours. Building constructive, stable and mutually beneficial relations with all countries that surround the European Union, in the East as well as in the South, is indeed a top priority for our common foreign policy. In doing this, the EU treats every neighbour on its own merits and I am convinced that this is the right approach. I see no trade off between good relations with Russia and good relations with our other Eastern neighbours.
4.
Could you explain the latest moves by the EU in separatist regions in Georgia and Moldova? It is reported that Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria have intensified their contacts with Brussels recently and prefer the European perspective to the engagement with Russia. I see no competition between the EU and Russia and our engagement is certainly not meant to question the legitimate role played by Russia in these conflict areas. We want to work with Russia and together help the sides to the conflicts find solutions. I visited Georgia on 5 and 6 June. I went to Tbilisi, Batumi and Sukhumi and was well received by all. It was clear that the EU's role in the region is highly appreciated. My visit was also the highest level EU visit to have taken place to Abkhazia so far. It shows how serious the EU is about stability and security in the region. Tackling the conflicts in Georgia and Moldova is a priority for the EU. We are working hard to convince all parties involved of the necessity to pursue dialogue and find solutions through peaceful means. We encourage direct talks between the Georgian government and the de facto authorities in Sukhumi, and stand ready to contribute to conflict resolution efforts, if the parties to the conflict want us to. On Moldova, we are working together with Russia and the other members in the 5+2 format, with the hope of re-starting the settlement talks. We aim at a viable solution, respecting Moldova's territorial integrity. The Transnistrian region will need to get a special status in a re-unified state, in line with its legitimate interests. I was very pleased over President Voronin's initiatives of last autumn to launch confidence-building measures. We have since seen some positive movement. I trust we can show the very concrete benefits of a settlement to the populations of both banks of the Dniestr river.
5.
Three decades passed since the conclusion of the Helsinki Final Act have seen huge changes on the European continent. President Medvedev has recently suggested that a new European security treaty should be signed. Do you agree with the Russian President? I read President Medvedev’s recent speech in Berlin with great interest and I very much welcome the clear way in which he stated that Russia is an integral part of Europe, or to use his own words, how it has "come in from the cold". I agree with the President that there are still many unresolved problems in Europe, and I am convinced that the EU and Russia need to work together to tackle them. This is something that we are increasingly doing, but it is clear that we can do much more. As to the proposals that President Medvedev made in Berlin, I appreciate the constructive approach that he is taking. It is good to take a fresh look at how we can work together to achieve security in Europe. Only together we can meet the challenges of the future. I very much look forward to discussing this with the President at the upcoming summit.
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