Europe Features
Russia's plans for a 'new security architecture'
Feb 8, 2009, 14:20 GMT
Munich - Russia's call for a new security treaty 'from Vancouver to Vladivostok,' debated by world leaders in Munich on Saturday, is officially aimed at defusing tensions with the United States over issues such as missile defence and NATO expansion.
But critics say that the plan - which has not yet been presented in detail - is aimed at checking the expansion of US power in Russia's former sphere of influence in Central and Eastern Europe.
Proposed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the plan is for a 'new security architecture' which would guarantee peace in Europe by imposing a legally-binding security agreement on the states of North America, Europe and Central Asia.
Medvedev called for a security treaty based on five principles to replace the Helsinki Final Accords of 1975, which laid the basis for peaceful relations between the Soviet Union and the West in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Firstly, a new deal should make respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national independence legally binding.
Secondly, it should affirm 'the inadmissibility of the use of force or the threat of its use in international relations,' calling for negotiated settlements to solve disputes.
Western analysts say that these two principles reproduce the rules laid down in Helsinki, minus a key clause on human rights.
Thirdly, it would outlaw 'ensuring one's own security at the expense of others ... acts by military alliances and coalitions that undermine the unity of the common security space ... (and) development of military alliances that would threaten the security to other parties of the treaty.'
Western analysts widely interpret this as an attempt to give Moscow a veto over NATO enlargement and US plans to site missile-defence systems in Central Europe, both of which Russia sees as a strategic threat.
Fourthly, the treaty would guarantee that 'no state or international organization can have exclusive rights to maintaining peace and stability in Europe.'
Observers see this as a veiled swipe at the European Union and NATO, both of which have expanded in the last decade to take in some two-thirds of European states, with more queueing up to join.
Finally, it would establish 'basic arms-control parameters and reasonable limits on military construction,' together with procedures to fight the drug trade, nuclear proliferation and terrorism.
This is seen as a call to convert the current patchwork of international arms-control treaties into a seamless whole.
Medvedev's proposals met with a mixed reaction in the West. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that the 56-member OSCE should hold a summit to discuss the idea in June or July, but Central and Eastern European leaders said that there would be no point in holding a summit until more details were made clear.
Analysts say that the stance of US President Barack Obama will be key to any future debate.
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Older Talkback
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US and Canada should be excluded from any European affairs, unless Russia and EU get their own say on North American dealings. America's presence in Europe is holdover from the Cold War, and since Cold War is long gone, North Americans should be gone as well. Besides, Canada's contribution to security is zero, it's simply piggybacking on the US military might.
Russia, France, Germany and Italy can design an acceptable arrangements by themselves. No need for Yanks, whatsoever.
Alex and Teppo are obviously the same person, and clearly miss informed as only a die hard Czar Putin fan can be. I love their silly arguements because they make no sense. You gave away your freedom to a tin pot dictator and now he has you convinced that it was for your own good, Russians are sheep, always have been. When the Czar goes for reelection next time I hear his title is goig to be 'head chef' but he will still be in charge of the country hahaha.
Goose, I'm glad you figured it all out. You must be a freaking psychic or something. Then again, probably not. Just some little stinky Lthuanian or a Pole trying to look smart(and it's not working, man). Anyway, that's not important. What is important is that America has hit a wall, and will soon sell all of its useless 'allies' like your crappy nation out and will try to befriend Russia. There is simply no other way. Even Balts and Polaks are starting to flirt with Moscow. Whores know which way the wind blows...
At this statement: No need for Yanks, whatsoever.
Great, now the Yanks have a legitimate reason for protectionism.
Teppo, I am not that optimistic. It all may and up with a big bang.
Unfortunately, the people in those 'democracies' mean little as long as the masses can be lead by bribes and lies. Both require a lot of money. And those who have the money are not those who will be send to die.
Those are the people who will not hesitate to start a WWIII as long as they can be convinced its profitable for THEM. The Bushes and the like have bought the land far away in South America to survive the war.
In my view, the big war is coming. Almost inevitably. Just like WWII did.
Teppo, go ahead and kiss the Czars arse if you please, I think you will find the love affair one sided however. Please explain to the rest of us uninformed peeps how a 2nd rate power like Russia is going to rule the world when most of its fleet are rusting hunks of crap. During Russia's recent naval exercises with the chimp from Venezuala they sent one beat up old aircraft carrier that had to have a couple of tugs sent with it in case it broke down, hahaha, funny as hell. But go ahead and dance and posture for your czar like the good little russian sheep you are, and while he's giving your cash away to buy friends just remember he's spending your retirement. Russia's current state is not dissimilar from the 30's when it was noted that 'you need only kick in the door and the whole rotten edifice will crumble', Adolf was only half correct, but you are completely delusional.
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AlexFeb 9th, 2009 - 01:34:13
One would be naive to hold the breath waiting for Obama.
The aim of the USA is to rule the World.
The aim of Europe is to be fed by a doggy bags from the Uncle Sam's table.
Both would like to eat Russia alive or dead (Russian natural resources that's it).
The story as old as existence of Europe.
I don't believe any single man can change that.
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