Interfax's Interview

 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.

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