STABILITY GLOBAL STRATEGIC STABILITY THE KEY STRATEGIC INTEREST OF CIS, SAYS RUSSIA'S DEFENCE MINISTER

MOSCOW, DECEMBER 25, RIA NOVOSTI - Global stability on the basis of a balance of forces and interests of all states is the key strategic interest of the Commonwealth of Independent States, said Russia's defence minister Igor Rodionov at a conference in Moscow today, dedicated to the problems of military security of the CIS member-states. According to the minister, the primary task is to seek a strategic balance and an expansion of the disarmament process, to prevent internal armed conflicts and the emergence of seats of tension in any countries neighbouring on the CIS, and to enhance the capabilities of international organizations - first of all, of the UN and of the OSCE. The minister noted that the specific character of the present system of international relations had not reduced the volume of external threats, but had only changed their priorities. The Cold War is officially over, but its geopolitical goals and hidden mechanisms continue to influence the development of international relations. In this connection, Igor Rodionov has spoken up for the formation of a defence alliance within the CIS framework on the basis of common interests and politico-military goals. (maz/var)