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Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty
Henry M. Robert

JAVIER SOLANA: “I would like the people of Ukraine to think of me not as an exotic guest”

13 November, 2012 - 00:00

Last week NATO Secretary General Javier Solana visited Ukraine, giving The Day an exclusive interview before his arrival.

Q.: Mr. Secretary General, what do you expect to accomplish this time? What do you think should happen so that your visit not be a waste of time?

A.: I am sure this visit will not be a waste of time. In fact, I think it will be quite fruitful. This is not my first visit; it will be my third. The reason for this trip is that I want to continue expanding the bilateral relationship with your country in many different ways – by having a very good working relationship with your leaders and good personal contacts with your government officials. I try to visit your country at least once a year. This way I wish to underscore Ukraine's basic role in European security and stability. I would like the people of Ukraine to think of me not as an exotic guest but rather as a good old friend.

Q.: You said that Ukraine plays a fundamental role in the continent's security. Can you say the same about other countries?

A.: Every country has a role to play, and I don't want to belittle anybody. But Ukraine's size, geographical position, and history make it a major player in European politics. Without your country's participation it would be impossible to build an effective European security system, which is our main objective. For this reason, we attach great importance to the NATO-Ukraine relationship and your country's participation in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.

Q.: The NATO Information and Documentation Center has been operating in Kyiv for about one year as a pilot project. Are you satisfied with the center's performance at this early stage?

A.: Indeed, it is the only center we have, and it is a pilot project. Its opening in Kyiv was a moving experience for me. As you know, the center is located in a university building, and I was delighted to see how many students attended the opening ceremony and how supportive they all were.

Am I satisfied with its work? Yes, I am, although I do think that we should do much more, and, having learned the lessons of our first-year experience, should put more energy in the center's activities to make them more focused and dynamic.

Q.: Ukraine considers rather promising its newly-established scientific and technological cooperation with NATO. Do you agree?

A.: Absolutely. Over the last few days, I have been reviewing some aspects of NATO scientific cooperation with other countries. As you know, I am a scientist by background – a professor of physics – and, for this reason, I personally attach great importance to communication between scientific communities.

Science has already done a lot to maintain peace on our planet. With respect to Ukraine-NATO scientific cooperation, I think it is a very solid, important program with excellent prospects. And I would like to further develop and crystallize it.

Q.: Can you name some specific projects within this program? For example, is your trip to Dnipropetrovsk during this visit related to it?

A.: In Dnipropetrovsk, I would like to see enterprises that have developed very important, sophisticated technologies. Those technologies can be useful not only for Ukraine but also for NATO.

Q.: Will this become a first step towards cooperation in the arms industry?

A.: Yes, we are moving in that direction, but I would like to point out that we are interested in Ukrainian satellite technologies for peaceful rather than military use.

Q.: But the enterprise also made SS-20 rockets.

A.: True, but they are also used to launch satellites. To my knowledge, it is a very high-quality technology.

Q.: According to political observers, of all former Soviet republics only the Baltic states are considered real candidates for NATO membership. What would be Ukraine's chances if it applied?

A.: At the moment, I would rather refrain from speculating on what countries will be admitted to the alliance in the second wave of enlargement. As for Ukraine, it would be inappropriate to assess its chances, since it has not applied to join. Instead, we have a special partnership with it.

Q.: It seems that the movements of the Central European countries towards NATO and EU are interrelated: the same countries are applying for membership in both organizations. Do you think Ukraine's successful economic integration with Western Europe would be a necessary condition for its ascension to NATO?

A.: As you know, there are European countries that belong to the EU and are not part of NATO, for example, Finland. And, conversely, some NATO members, such as Norway and Turkey, are not EU states. NATO and the EU are two independent organizations, and I do not see any connection here.

Q.: NATO peacekeeping operations have proved more effective than similar operations under UN auspices. Bosnia is certainly a good example.

A.: First of all, let me say how much we appreciate the contribution of your country in the solution of the conflict in Bosnia. You should be proud of it. It is especially impressive that, despite all economic hardships, your country was still able to participate in the peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Perhaps, not everyone in your country is aware of it, but we think that successful implementation of economic reform in Ukraine is also contingent on stability and security in Europe.

Bosnia was the first peacekeeping operation under NATO auspices. It is very important that it was joined by non-NATO countries as well, which enabled us to create a large coalition in the name of peace.

Q.: Many analysts attribute the bloodshed in Bosnia to the long delay by the UN in issuing a mandate for NATO peacekeeping units to enter the country. Is there concern that the same situation will occur in Kosovo?

A.: I think that the lessons learned in Bosnia will force the international community not to let it happen.

Q.: We are all hopeful for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. However, if it persists and if Russia vetoes a UN resolution to send peacekeeping troops to Kosovo, how will NATO find a way out of this deadlock?

A.: First, NATO is making every effort to solve the conflict by diplomatic means.

Secondly, the alliance always acts with the approval of the international community and in accordance with international law.

Finally, if the situation mandates military intervention, I am sure all permanent members of the Security Council will support that action.

Photo by Leonid Bakka, The Day:

JAVIER SOLANA

 

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