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Transcript of Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov Interview to Russian Media on Outcomes of Working Session of the G8 Foreign Ministers Council Meeting at Whistler, Canada, June 12, 2002

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

June 14, 2002

Question: Igor Sergeyevich, at the G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting - is there the feel of the spirit of new relations, which appeared back in Rome?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: I think, yes there is the feel of the spirit of partnership that helped us in Rome reach agreement on the establishment of the Russia-NATO Council and which today helps to constructively discuss the very serious problems with which mankind is now being faced.

Today we paid the main attention to the theme which will become the major one in the course of the upcoming G8 summit in Canada - the global struggle against international terrorism. We examined this issue comprehensively: how to unite further international efforts to combat terrorism in political, economic, financial and other fields, while clearly understanding that it will be a difficult and long struggle, and that this problem cannot be solved overnight. We prepared appropriate recommendations in this context. Thus, the international community will receive the G8 proposals as to how we think it necessary to wage this struggle in the future.

We also examined questions relating to the situation in Afghanistan, welcomed the session of the Loya Jirga, which was held practically on time. Thus, the agreements reached are being realized. At the same time we understand perfectly well that there still remain many problems. The international community should coordinate its efforts and render assistance to the central leadership in order to prevent the intensification of inter-ethnic contradictions. Through strengthening the central government it is necessary to work to stabilize the situation in the country. This requires that the international community should render assistance in overcoming humanitarian problems, accomplishing economic tasks and creating state bodies which could direct the country.

Among other issues, the situation in relations between India and Pakistan was considered. Thanks to international efforts and, primarily, the G8 states the first signs of a reduction of tensions have been achieved. Both on the Indian side and on the Pakistani side a number of definite steps toward reducing the confrontation are now evident. These are positive signs, but they are only the first ones. It is the task of the international community, and on that score we also adopted an appropriate statement, to see to it that terrorists do not use the existing tension for its further escalation. The most important thing now is to proceed with the relaxation and return both the parties into the framework of political dialogue on all the issues on the agenda, including on the problem of Kashmir. We agreed to continue our joint efforts.

I should note that all the participants of today's meeting noted the considerable role of the Russian Federation, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the searches of a settlement of the situation, both in Afghanistan and between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the interest in Russia's continued active role in this region in the future too.

Question: Tomorrow the USA is quitting the 1972 ABM Treaty. How can this affect our relations and the situation in the arms control field?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: Of the decision of the US administration unilaterally to leave the ABM Treaty we have known since December last, when the appropriate official statement was made. Therefore no surprises are now being expected in this connection. Our position remains as it was: we regret that, but it is now a fait accompli. We have to conduct work, recognizing that the USA has actually already withdrawn from this treaty.

As is known, thanks to the efforts by the Russian Federation the negotiation process is to continue in the START/ABM field. During the visit of US President George Bush to Russia, the important Treaty on Strategic Offensive Reductions was signed. Today during the talks with US Secretary of State Colin Powell we focused mainly on the practical implementation of these major agreements, above all in the domain of strategic stability.

It is our task to minimize the adverse consequences which, unfortunately, are there following the US pullout from the 1972 ABM Treaty.

Question: Igor Sergeyevich, what major themes will be submitted to the summit of G8 heads of state?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: Apart from the theme of combating terrorism, the questions of disarmament and African problems will be submitted to the G8 summit.

Question: On the fight against terrorism quite a few various decisions have already been adopted. What new steps can G8 propose in this regard?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: Today we will circulate a document with our proposals. Combating terrorism is a problem which requires continuous attention and perfection, including from the viewpoint of strengthening the legal base. In this connection we attach great importance to the role of the United Nations, where two important documents are currently being examined: the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism and the Russian draft of the document for the suppression of nuclear terrorism. The appropriate legal base needs to be strengthened further still. It is also necessary to expand the forms of cooperation between states in various fields in order to wipe out not only terrorist organizations themselves, but also the structures which render them assistance. This is a complex question which requires development and perfection. These proposals are contained in our recommendations.

Question: Igor Sergeyevich, what questions were discussed today in the course of your meeting with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs. When is the visit of the head of the Japanese foreign affairs agency to Russia being expected? Foreign Minister Ivanov: During the meeting with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs both sides expressed interest in resuming an active political dialogue between our countries. I consider this very important. As part of the political dialogue, special attention was paid to the upcoming meeting between the Russian President and the Japanese Prime Minister in the course of the G8 summit in Canada. Scheduled for the end of the autumn is the visit of the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, to whom I confirmed my invitation. This will be preceded by consultations at the level of deputy ministers of foreign affairs.

We noted the great importance of developing trade-and-economic cooperation, and collaboration in the cultural field. In 2003 the Year of Japan will be held in Russia; a number of cultural events are envisaged in its framework. We also spoke in favor of the reinvigoration of youth exchanges, in a word - in favor of the development of bilateral relations in all the areas of mutual interest.

We believe that contacts, both in the political and in other fields, will help create a favorable atmosphere for the solution of the full range of issues in Russian-Japanese relations, including further negotiations on a peace treaty.