Chernomyrdin renewed well-known Russian positions on European security and arms control. Russia first suggested this role for OSCE in 1994 and has revived it in many forums since then. The Russian prime minister said Moscow did not envisage OSCE having a command structure controlling these other organizations. He said 0SCE could be turned into an institution capable of acting promptly to defuse crises in Europe. It could become a center of preventive diplomacy.
Most Western countries are skeptical of the proposals.
Diplomats told correspondents today that if it succeeded Russia would be able to exercise some influence over NATO's activities and decision-making processes. Chernomyrdin said OSCE should also be more active in protecting the rights of Europe's minorities, and referred specifically to Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. Turning to military security, the Russian prime minister said that although the global threat had receded, other threats still remained. Chernomyrdin reviewed a number of proposals which have been under consideration in the preparatory meetings leading up to the Lisbon summit. Chernomyrdin mentioned restraints on the buildup of military forces in foreign countries, more transparency about the deployment of troops and more information about trans-border movements.