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Valeri Chechekashvili: â€œGUAM enlargement with the involvement of new member countries is not our main target, we strengthen quadruple cooperationâ€- INTERVIEW

16 February 2010 15:53 (UTC +04:00)

-How do you assess GUAMâ€™s prospects against the background of the recent statements of Viktor Yanukovich? Do you think GUAM will be able to preserve its unity in future? How do you see the future of the organization?

-I attentively listened to and read Mr. Yanukovichâ€™s statement, not what was published in media. Unfortunately, the first part of the answer has not been published in the media fully. I have already answered this question and reiterate that I regard the critical remarks concerning GUAM as normal. I attribute it to the expectations from the organization and confess that the potential of cooperation has not been realized fully within the framework of GUAM.

I want to say that we have already done much. Our working groups are implementing about 40 projects. Our free trade zone is operating full out and by the way this brings dividend to Ukraine. I can especially note that 15 percent of the external deficit in Ukraine was compensated at the cost of trade within free trade zone of GUAM. The similar figures were also recorded within 11 months of 2009. It was $4.8 billion in Ukraineâ€™s external deficit, $1.2 billion of it is positive balance in the trade with GUAM countries. So, 25 percent of the external deficit of Ukraine was compensated at the cost of trade with GUAM countries. This means a great number of jobs, $300,000 paid to the state budget of Ukraine.

As regards the critical remarks concerning GUAM, we regard it as motivation to more serious work. But much depends on not only Secretariat, but also on GUAM members. The more active the participating countries are, the better the concrete projects will be implemented.

Azerbaijanâ€™s attitude towards the working groups, in which it coordinates, is a good example. Azerbaijan is coordinating the activity of the working groups on tourism and transportation. The results of todayâ€™s meeting showed that we have moved forward in the implementation of this project. Japanâ€™s activeness and interest in the project is praiseworthy. I am sure that this project will be implemented successfully, as a result of it more Japanese tourists will come to GUAM countries, it will generate not only economic, but also political interest of Japan in our region. I should particularly note Azerbaijanâ€™s efforts in the working group on transportation. Basing on Azerbaijanâ€™s coordination we are bout to complete the formation of the concept on GUAM transit transportation corridor. This concept will be confirmed at the next meeting of the working group on transportation.

- When is the working group planning to hold its meeting?

- I consider the meeting will be held until the summer. It depends on how quickly we complete work on this concept. Therefore we seriously approach this document like other projects we have carried out. We have realized multiple projects and will do much work and for that we need in more support by the participating countries.

- Are you looking forward for GUAM enlargement in near future? Baltic countries and Poland also show interests in GUAM membership.

- GUAM enlargement with the involvement of new member countries is not our main target. We target civil cooperation in the Caspian-Black Sea region and extension of quadruple cooperation. We welcome interest of other countries to GUAM. Japan, USA, Poland and Czech Republic are among them. We have very good and institutionalized partnership relations with them. Our relations with a number of international organizations are also developing in a high level. First, I have to note our relations with UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Currently we are holding joint workshop with this agency at the GUAM Secretariat in Kiev. We are working together with the Visegrad Group and Baltic Assembly as well. Of course, we are welcoming any idea of our foreign partners. I am stressing once more that enlargement is not our main target. We targets quadruple cooperation and good atmosphere for our business people.

- When will the UN General Assembly put draft resolution on protracted conflicts of GUAM countries to vote?

- This is our joint project and we will move that. This is very important project and we continue our activity to explain our exact and understandable position on the settlement of protracted conflicts in our territory in a manner consolidated with the public opinion. Our position based on the common norms and principles of international law recognized at the international arena. This is completely clear and transparent position and it was confirmed in the joint statement by our foreign ministers. I mean the statement issued on May 23, 2006. We will do our best for the UN General Assembly to adopt it. But we will put the draft resolution to vote when we are sure in the absolute support of the members of the UN General Assembly. We understand that there will be no consensus on some points. There will always be opponents of this resolution because not all countries and not all of our neighbors are based on the norms and principles of international law in their activities. But it is motivating us.

- Does it mean that the draft resolution will never put to vote?

- I donâ€™t rule out it, but I donâ€™t rule out that it will be put to vote.

- Today experts hold GUAM+Japan meeting in Baku. When is the ministerial meeting scheduled? Will this meeting take place in Baku?

- This meeting can be held in Baku or at the GUAM Secretariat. It depends on the coordinator country â€“ Azerbaijan. We have willingness to choose any option. But the meeting will take place only in that case that the experts collect all necessary materials. We want this meeting to pass concrete decisions that our joint projects can successfully be realized.