-                   There are no such ideas concerning Black Sea for now. However, Russia did participate in Operation Active Endeavour, in which it received an invitation to participate again, and I hope it does. The practices usually take place in the Mediterranean. Russia ceased participation; it has been confirmed that it will be re-established where needed.

-                   Today you took part in the foreign-affair ministers from OSCE meeting, as well, where conversations about the new security architecture in Europe began. Where does Bulgaria stand in this architecture and what is Bulgaria’ s general position on the issue?

-                   Bulgaria has a lot to say regarding security in Europe after the constant efforts during the past years, successful efforts, on stabilizing the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The Balkans per se are an example of a territory constantly shaken by wars and conflicts, that managed to find common collaboration points and common priorities, which to follow in its development. This approach need to be transferred to the rest of Europe. Couple of months ago, Russia proposed a plan by the President Medvedev introducing a new frame, new mechanism, new structure of European security, which we and our partners are ready to discuss, following, however, the context of the previous institutions, of sticking to previous agreements on contracts, including the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, in which Russia’s participation was suspended. Instead of creating new structures, the potential of the already existing ones should be found.

            Next in our demands is a balanced approach. In 1975, the beginning of the Helsinki process, leading to the creation of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the world was in the worst phase of the Cold War. Even then though, heads of states agreed upon developing collaboration in three dimensions- military security, economy, and human rights. Therefore we insist today that those principles should be observed. Of course, we do need to collaborate on military matters but this should be done taking into consideration human rights and agreements in this area. Observed, as well, should be agreements on economic, ecologic, and energetic issues.