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DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
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22.04.2002
Unofficial translation from Russian
Transcript of Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov Interview Granted to Yevgeny Revenko, Vesti Nedelei RTR News Program, April 21, 2002
Anchor: Igor Sergeyevich, what does Russia expect from the talks in Rome? Will Russia-NATO treaty become a real "twenty" or not?
Foreign Minister Ivanov: A very important declaration is expected to be signed during the upcoming Russia-NATO summit in Rome which in fact marks the creation of a new body, the Russia-NATO Council. It will be an independent body in which 20 members will discuss on an equal basis the issues put on the agenda and pass decisions and implement them. This is of fundamental importance, a qualitative change in the relations between Russia and NATO.
Anchor: Does the creation of the "twenty" mean that Russia is entering NATO?
Foreign Minister Ivanov: No, this does not mean Russia's entry into NATO. We are creating a new mechanism of relations between Russia and NATO. Topics will be agreed -- five or perhaps seven current topics -- that affect the interests of all the states, not only members of the Council, and on which decisions will be taken by consensus which will then be jointly implemented.
At the same time, NATO remains as an organization and on other issues within NATO competence that organization will act independently.
Anchor: Will Russia be notified of NATO decisions or will Russia be involved in the process of decision-making?
Foreign Minister Ivanov: Within the Russia-NATO Council all the discussions will be collective and on an equal basis. I would like to stress that the creation of the new mechanism marks a fundamentally new stage in our relations. If the mechanism starts working -- and we want it to start working -- it may become an important element in creating a future European security architecture. So, we are at a very critical and responsible stage.
Anchor: So, I understand that NATO will continue making its own decisions as before?
Foreign Minister Ivanov: As regards NATO competence, NATO will act as an independent organization. But within the Russia-NATO Council of which NATO members are members along with Russia, they will act on an equal basis. This is of fundamental importance.
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