My first priority will, of course be to build on the outcome of the Vilnius Ministerial Council, which will provide an indication of the direction in which the participating States wish to see the organization move. In the security area there is probably room for further work on updating commitments to take account of developments in the past twenty years or so.

The human dimension of the OSCE’s work is very important to Ireland and I shall continue to work for the promotion of media freedom and other important areas in which the OSCE has demonstrated experience and expertise. In the economic and environmental dimension of the organization I intend to promote the concept of good governance, which is an essential, but often overlooked, requirement for economic growth and sustainable development.

- The conflict resolution issue is among the priorities of Ireland presidency. How will Ireland supportfacilitate the issue, what kind of work does the Chairmanship intend to do in this direction?

I shall be a strong promoter of the conflict resolution work of the OSCE through established frameworks such as the Minsk Process, but I shall also encourage constructive dialogue wherever the opportunity presents itself. The OSCE area, unfortunately, has seen a number of serious conflicts since the collapse of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. In some cases those conflicts have been effectively resolved while in others they have not. I am very concerned about the so called protracted conflicts and I am concerned that there is a certain degree of complacency. I do not see the status quo as a viable long term solution.

- Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is one of the unresolved conflicts in OSCE. How Ireland can support the peace negotiation on that issue taking into the consideration that Ireland was also involved in a conflict and could share its experience?

I am glad you raise the Irish experience. We are still engaged in a lengthy peace process on our island. So far this process has been successful, but that success has involved very real sacrifices from all sides in this conflict as well as significant international support and mediation. It is foolish to imagine that the solution of one conflict can be a readymade solution to others, but there are some general lessons on conflict resolution which we can draw from our experience. I shall be eager to share that experience with other OSCE participating States and I would hope that all those affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict may find aspects of our experience helpful in resolving their differences.

The past 14 years in Gabala radar lease by Russia showed that Azerbaijan and Russia can find common language even in such complex issues as the use of such a strategically important facility. Though most believed this problem to be impossible to settle in the early 1990’s, Azerbaijan and Russia further were able to agree on this issue.

Currently Azerbaijan and Russia negotiate on prolongation of the agreement, envisaging the rent of the Gabala radar by the Russian side. Based on their experience, gained in 14 years of the radar lease, the parties make their proposals. Under the current agreement, Azerbaijan received $7m from Russia for the radar lease. Now Russia offers $15m on condition of return of a half of the territory to Azerbaijan. But I think that the object must be lent for $100m, because Russia uses not only this facility but also the infrastructure of Azerbaijan.

- Which role does the Gabala radar lease play in relations between Azerbaijan and Russia?

Gabala radar is not the only and decisive factor in Azerbaijani-Russian relations. The main in relations between Azerbaijan and Russia is the existence of good intentions of creation of good neighbor relations, respectful attitude to interests and, most importantly, not creating problems to each other.

After the USSR collapse, Azerbaijan and Russia managed to be ‘good neighbors’ in mutual ties. And now there are many samples of that Azerbaijan and Russia are good neighbors. The Gabala radar lease can be considered one of their good examples of good neighbor relations between the two countries. Overall, Azerbaijan and Russia demonstrated ability to cooperate without damaging interests of the third countries.