We today paid special attention to questions of the activity of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), taking into account Portugal's chairmanship in it this year. We believe that now there are good opportunities to use the unique character of the all-European forum, which the OSCE is, in the interests of European security and stability. In this context we discussed ways and procedures of realizing the weighty potential of the OSCE for the good of the European continent, in the interest of forming a new security architecture in Europe.

It is very important that Portugal among its priorities has put forward such a question as joint efforts in the struggle against international terrorism. We believe that this is of basic importance to all, and to the OSCE in particular.

We discussed what additional steps need to be taken in the interest of enhancing the efficiency of the Organization and expanding its capabilities on all three fronts of its activity. I would like to emphasize that Russia supports the plan of work that was set out by Portugal for the period of chairmanship of the country in the OSCE and will actively cooperate with Portugal in implementing the aims which are singled.

Question: Within the framework of the Troika of observers of Angolan settlement, is it possible to speak of a resumption of the peace talks in Angola?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: We have not discussed that yet. We shall have yet time to touch on Angolan problems. But we believe that the potentialities of the Troika are not exhausted. The Troika must continue to play an active role in the quest for how to resolve the situation in Angola. In New York during the UN General Assembly session a meeting of the Angolan minister of foreign affairs with the ambassadors of the countries of the Troika took place, and we reaffirmed our willingness to further play an active role in the interest of resolving this problem. But right now it is hardly possible to say that we are ready to put forward any new initiatives.

Question: I would like to ask both ministers, what measures specifically have they agreed on as regards the fight against terrorism, and did Russia advance any proposals regarding the coordinator for the antiterrorist policy of the OSCE?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: As far as the coordinator is concerned, this is the prerogative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, and we will attentively consider any proposals that the Portuguese side will advance. With regard to efforts in the struggle against terrorism we paid the main attention to the OSCE expanding the coordination of its actions with other organizations. This is the mission of not just the OSCE alone. All the organizations, beginning with the United Nations, now occupy themselves with this question, and it is very important that close cooperation and the distribution of efforts have been established among the organizations. The OSCE within its competence can play an important role here.

Question: Was the question discussed now and will you discuss with the Portuguese President the question of the progress in the preparation of the Russian President's visit to Portugal?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: The invitation was extended to President Putin during the visit of the Portuguese President to Moscow. It was accepted with gratitude. As to the date, it will be arranged via diplomatic channels.

Question: Was the question of Chechnya touched on at the talks? Specifically: will political talks be resumed with the Chechens and what role could the OSCE play in them?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: We bear in mind to discuss this question at greater length during our next round of talks. I mean to inform our Portuguese colleagues of the measures which are being taken in the Chechen Republic in the interests of political settlement. There is no need to resume the dialogue, because it has never been broken off with the representatives of Chechen society who are interested in political settlement. As far as the OSCE Assistance Group is concerned, it - along with other representations of international organizations - does work in the Chechen Republic, fulfilling its mission.

Question: As has become known from Afghan sources, your visit to Afghanistan at the end of February is under preparation. Could you comment on this report?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: The trip to the region is being planned. As yet, however, to say something more specific would be premature.


___________________________________________________________
© Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.