UN-PROBLEMS CONSULTATIONS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CIS MEMBER STATES

Unofficial translation from Russian

PRESS RELEASE

Traditional consultations took place on August 5 at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs between the representatives of the CIS member states ahead of the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly, opening in New York on September 14. The constructive exchange of views has confirmed the identity or similarity of the CIS nations' positions on priority areas of UN activity, based on a common interest in strengthening the central role of the Organization in world affairs.

The participants in the consultations were unanimous in their assessment of the great importance of the upcoming session, called upon to promote a further consolidation of the world community's unity in the face of global challenges, for the sake of preventing any unilateral steps in violation of international law.

They emphasized the necessity of further deepening practical interaction and coordination among the CIS member states on a number of most topical issues for the Commonwealth on the agenda of the upcoming session. They noted the importance of deepening close cooperation between the appropriate mechanisms of the Commonwealth and the United Nations with a view to responding comprehensively to common challenges to regional security, primarily those emanating from international terrorism and extremism, and underscored the priority of cooperation for the promotion of economic development in the CIS space as well.

From similar vantage points the problem of UN reform was examined, primarily ways to enhance the effectiveness of the collective security system provided by the Charter of the United Nations.

The participants spoke for a uniting of efforts to impart wide international significance to the 60th anniversary of the Victory in the Second World War and to have May 8-9, 2005, proclaimed in the UN as Remembrance and Reconciliation Days.

The consultations passed in a warm and frank atmosphere. Readiness was reaffirmed for the continuation of a regular "comparing of notes" between the CIS countries' delegations directly in the course of the work of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly.

August 5, 2004