European Club of Perm

News of the European Club

KOSACHEV AND KLIMOV PREPARE A EUROPEAN CLUB SESSION IN PARIS
26/01/2009
Month by month, the inter-faction parliamentary EUROPEAN CLUB, which was founded in Russian State Duma some time ago, is gaining in popularity. This is what brought to life its new discussion ground: the web site Russia – EU: Partnership and Success, or P&S (www.ruseu.com). This web site should become a forum for continuous, direct and open dialogue of professionals: politicians, business people and experts. The web site was launched on December 15, and a month later it was read in 39 countries (despite the Christmas break in world's politics). The geography of P&S contributors is also expanding: apart from Russia, the contributors to the web site come from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Romania and France. Among them there are ministers and EU Commissioners, ambassadors and MPs, major experts and renowned European political scientists. But European Club is not only an Internet web site. The tradition of holding the Club’s visiting sessions will be continued. This year's first session of the European Club outside Russia is to take place on March 13 in Paris. Apart from the presentation of the French version of P&S web site, the Club members will be given a talk by Konstantin KOSACHYOV, the Club’s President and Chairman of the Committee for International Affairs of the State Duma, in which he will share his views on the prospect of Russian-EU relationship. Besides, the participants of the Paris meeting will discuss the possibilities of expanding the Club’s contacts. Up to now, the Club’s main contacts were with the European Parliament and national parliaments of the BENILUX countries. Now, the Club seeks to establish a closer relationship with the Council of Europe (especially with the PACE). These issues will be discussed on January 26-29 in Strasbourg and Paris. Mr KOSACHYOV and Mr Andrei KLIMOV, his Deputy and Co-Chairman of the Russia-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC), will be present there. In the same period Mr Klimov will hold a series of consultations in European Parliament in Brussels concerning the next meeting of PCC members scheduled for February 16-17. The agenda of the inter-parliamentary consultations includes the preparation of the new Russia-EU Framework Agreement and energy dialogue. By the way, for Members of the European Parliament this will be the last meeting before the election, which is due to take place in June this year.

Russia and EU: outlook for cooperation
24/10/2008
October 24 was marked with the session of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee “Russia-European Union”. The session took place at the RF State Duma. During this parliamentary meeting between Russia and EU, which was held under the chairmanship of Ria Oomen Ruijten, the Co-Chairman of the Committee delegated from the European Parliament, the Head of the EP mission on relations with the Russia, and Andrej KlimEov, the Co-Chairman of the Committee of the RF Federal Assembly, the Vice-Chairman of the RF State Duma Committee on International Affairs, deputies of the Russian State Duma, deputies of the European Parliament and experts took part in discussions on three fundamental questions: - Cultural Dialogue in Modern Europe - Human Rights as an Integral Part of the European Cooperation - About the Outlook for Cooperation between Russia and European Union The participants of the meeting included deputies of the Russian State Duma, members of the RF Federal Assembly, deputies of the European Parliament, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (including Mr. Grushko A.V., Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, in particular), of the RF Ministry of Cultural Affairs, representatives of the principal confessions of the Russian Federation, experts and journalists. Following the results of the discussion, one can admit that it had a constructive character and reflected mutual comprehension of the new points in Russia-EU relations.

No isolation is available.
02/10/2008
Making comments upon the talks about isolation of Russia which is connected with the “war at Caucasus”, vice-Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov said: - Judging by my personal schedule, I can tell you about the reverse process, not the isolation. Recently in Moscow I have had a series of meetings with colleagues – deputies from the European Parliament and the parliaments of the EU countries, as well as with many representatives of business, diplomacy and with experts. - In comparison with the period preceding to the well-known events at the Caucasus in August-September of the present year the number of people who would like to communicate with us has practically doubled. The principal tonality of all the meetings is the following: nobody wants a new “cold war”, Russia is one of the key partners of the EU and this partnership should develop and deepen, crises should be overcome with the help of an open and straightforward dialogue. Moreover, Andrej Klimov emphasized that many “imbroglios” in our relations with the West happen because of lack of information. To change this situation deputy Klimov is suggesting to create a particular site in the Internet which is to be a permanent platform for direct interchange of opinions concerning all the aspects of the European cooperation. His colleagues from the European Parliament have already given their assent to these suggestions. It is probable that the new site (in Russian, English and French) will start functioning in November of the present year.

Presentation of the krai in Brussels is near at hand.
26/09/2008
According to the words of Chairman of the parliamentary group on relations with Benelux states, deputy of the RF State Duma Andrej Klimov, all agreements that were necessary for the presentation of Perm krai in Brussels were achieved. This announcement was made by the federal parliamentary immediately after his return to Perm from Brussels. According to Mr. Klimov, the idea of the presentation of the krai in the capital of the EU is supported not only by the Russian embassy and trade mission, but also by many officials of the European Union and Belgium and of business circles of Western Europe. The presentation itself is to be held on November 27 in Bristol hotel and all the expenses for its organizaiton are taken by the sponsors which is to save the money of Perm krai budget.

The Russians came into the European Parliament
24/09/2008
On September 22, for the first time after the “five day’s war” at the Caucasus, the members of the permanent Russian delegation in the European Parliament started their activity. During 2 days of the sessions of the Bureau of the Committee on parliamentary cooperation, after dozens of formal meetings and informal conversations, our parliamentarians managed to change greatly the atmosphere around Russia among the deputies of the main legislative and representative body of the EU. Before our visit, - the head of the Russian delegation, vice-Chairman of the RF State Duma Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov, - the European Parliament has adopted the document which, to put it mildly, did not reflect the events that had happened in August-September in Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Many of our colleagues in the EU have become the victims of this one-sided propaganda, which was spread very actively from Tbilisi and Washington. We showed, with the help of specific examples, that the actions of Russia were very reasonable, justified and legal. The result, - deputy Klimov summed it up,- was making quite calm and reasonable decisions at the enlarged session of the bureau. The Russian Federation and the European Union must extend but not reduce their cooperation. For this reason it was decided, in particular, to continue the discussion in Moscow next year at the beginning of October (taking into account the process of implementing the plan of peaceful arrangement of the conflict - the plan of “Medvedev-Sarkozy”). Our countries have to think about the calling of the new big conference on security and cooperation in Europe, which is to offer the new architecture of security on our continent with due account for the changes of the last decades since the day when Helsinki act was signed in 1975. The idea of such a conference was offered by the Russian party before the atrocities on Caucasus in August. Within the framework of the visit in Brussels the member of the political party “United Russia” A.Klimov managed to have conversations with his colleagues – the representatives of centre-right parties that are the part of the authoritative faction of “populists”. Besides, during the conversation with Chairman of the Committee of the Parliament of Belgium on International relations Hilda Vautmans they reached an agreement about holding international Russian-Belgian joint parliamentary hearings on urgent questions of our bilateral relations. All my meetings testify that talks about Russian “isolation” are just another myth forwarded by desperate russophobes with the help of MSM – deputy Klimov concluded his press-conference in Brussels.

Kosachyov and Klimov paid a visit to the ambassador of France.
15/09/2008
In the year of French presidency over the European Union and in the period of exacerbation of the situation connected with aggressive and thoughtless actions of Georgian authorities, the meeting of the leaders of the RF State Duma Committee on International affairs Konstantin Kosachyov and Andrej Klimov with the ambassador of France to Russia Mr. Stanislas de Labule is of special political importance. - We spoke about holding a business lunch at the beginning of summer, before the exacerbation of the situation on Caucasus, - Andrej Klimov told. But in such cases the interchange of opinions with the deputies responsible for international relations with the high-ranked representative of the Ministry of International affairs of France is especially important. It is within a month that the next Russia-EU summit will take place on the territory of France. Deputies presented their view of the situation on Caucasus, the perspectives of Russia-EU relations and offered a number of certain steps to ensure trust between our countries and mutual understanding between the parliamentarians.

Perm tragedy.
14/09/2008
On September 14, in the morning all the MSM in the world announced the tragic death of the crew and passengers of the “Boeing 737” on its way from Moscow to Perm. Deputy of the Russian State Duma from Perm krai expressed his condolences to the family members and close ones of the people who were in that plane and announced that this tragedy and all the similar ones are to make our country reconsider the attitude to the national aviation which has become much weaker after the crisis of the 1990s. - Russia cannot do without aviation, as we are a large country, deputy Klimov reminded. – It is sad that until now we speak more than do to renew the park of planes, to raise the competence of pilots and the level of responsibility of those who ensure flights on the ground.

Klimov in Poland.
12/09/2008
On September 9-13 vice-chairman of the RF State Duma Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov, who is responsible for the European direction, visited Poland. The official aim of the visit was participation in the grand international forum which took place in Polish resort Krinitsa. He did not just address the audience with the report on political situation in the south-west of Europe (particularly, Balkans and Caucasus) but was the moderator of the section “Values that unite us”. After two days filled with official events as well as with informal meetings with politicians and experts, deputy Klimov visited Warsaw. There he met Polish parliamentarians (members of Senat and Sejm), and had a conversation with Deputy Minister of International Affairs of the Republic of Poland A. Kremer.

Flags over the city
10/09/2008
On September 10 in the Polish resort Krinitsa the 18th economic forum, called “Polish Davos” by the organizers of this international event, took place. During dozens of plenary and sectional sessions more than a thousand participants from dozens of countries of the world (including even the representatives of Taiwan!) discussed urgent problems of international and regional economy and policy. The forum was opened by the head of Polish government Donald Tusk, and the first plenary session was moderated by ex-president of the Republic of Poland Alexander Kvasnevsky. The members of Russian delegation included deputies and experts, which was more than 60 persons. The head of the delegation was vice-chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International affairs, doctor in economics Andrej Klimov. He was the first to ring the alarm in the evening of September 9 (on the eve of the forum) about the absence of the flags of the Russian Federation (the flags of Georgia were almost everywhere though) among the ones of the countries-participants of this informal forum which united politicians and businessmen. Taking into account existing political situation, this circumstance could take a scandal turn. But it was ruled delicately. The organizers of the forum apologized and referred to some “technical error”. But Andrej Klimov insisted and in several hours the situation changed - Russian flags appeared at all official places. In one word, the efforts of the parliamentarian helped to open the forum with flags of the Russian Federation among the ones of other participants, as it is required according to the protocol and, simply, according to the decencies.

EU and Russia.
03/09/2008
The European Union is thinking what to do with Russia after the “Caucasus crisis” and even held the summit to discuss this matter. Making comments on the forum results, vice-Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov said: - On the one hand, it is good that the EU is not taken over by the russophobe point of view about some sanctions and “Russian isolation”. On the other hand, the decision appeared to be, to put it mildly, biased, because what is not mentioned at all is the reasons of the conflict, i.e. aggressive actions of Georgia. In this situation my colleagues and I will continue our work by methods of parliamentary diplomacy. This work already has positive effect. Plugola in Western MSM made many politicians victims of “smear campaign” of Tbilisi and Washington. They do not understand these events quite well, but after our explanation many of them change their view. - I do hope that after the meeting of the leaders of Russia and EU on September 8 the situation will be clearer.

Russia fights for the peace in the world, but not against the world.
28/08/2008
Commenting on the information war which began correlating to the situation at the Caucasus, vice-Chairman of the RF State Duma Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov emphasized that, unfortunately, not only in the West but also in some Russian MSM there was an idea that, allegedly, the whole world was against Russia and a war between Russia and the West had begun. - Russia is fighting for peace at the North Caucasus, and not against the whole world community, the deputy said. Firstly, NATO countries are far from being the whole world. Moreover, only 20 per cent of people on the Earth live there. Secondly, not all of the countries - NATO members hurried to make announcements against Russia. Thirdly, even in those countries that are now accusing Russia, great number of citizens, including important politicians, are warning against confrontation with Russia. My personal contacts for the last days has shown that people of different professions and religions, different age and social positions in different countries of the EU are reacting positively to Russian actions and condemn Georgia for the aggression against South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In this connection we must not complain about the naturally determined rage of the Russophobes (we cannot change them), but we must learn to carry on active and efficient dialogue with all others, the deputy concluded.

Independence is also responsibility.
26/08/2008
Commenting upon the announcements about the official recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, vice-Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov paid attention to the recognition of sovereignity of these republics which implies not only some extra possibilities, but also more responsibility. Certainly, Russia will help these new countries. But, as they acquired independence, sovereignity, it is their duty to use effectively their new status. When and how many countries will recognize them – this matter depends on them. They will have to build contractual relations with their neighbours and, in the first place, with Russia. As for the accusations of “annexation” on the part of Russia, Mr. Klimov added, - it is vice versa. Our country has enough territory and resources. The act of recognition of independence is the evident official Russian waiver of any claims on these territories, i.e. our national boundaries remains without changes after this act. Besides, it is Russia who will have to bear serious expenses to help the two new independent states restore the devastation which became the result of 15-year-long conflict between these territories and Georgia.

Russian deputies addressed their foreign colleagues.
25/08/2008
On August 25 during the first plenary sessions Russian State Duma considered the appeal to the parliaments of the countries-members of the UN and to international organizations in correlation with the armed attack of South Ossetia by Georgia. Commenting on this document one of its authors, the vice-Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov announced that the Russian parliament is bound to put forward the official question of the necessity of international recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. - For more than 15 years, the deputy stated, we did our best to preserve territorial integrity of Georgia, but Georgian president Saakashvili gave a command to open fire on the civilians of “unrecognized” republics and peacemakers. We have warned Tbilisi several times about the possible result of all this. Unfortunately, we were not heard. Now it is important to explain our position to the world community. It will be difficult, but indispensable. August 25, 2008

Saakashvili repeated the “deed” of Herostratus
24/08/2008
According to the opinion of vice-Chairman of the Committee on International affairs of the State Duma of Russia Andrej Klimov, “president of Georgia Mihail Saakashvili will become history of his people as a man, who damaged irretrievably the territorial integrity of his country”. Answering the questions of journalists about the session of the State Duma which is to be held on August 25, 2008, Andrej Klimov reminded that on March 21( i.e. three months ago precisely) the RF State Duma received petition about the situation in Georgia. In this petition, in particular, it was mentioned about the necessity of recognition of the sovereignity of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by the Russian Federation in case of aggression of Tbilisi. The leaders of Russia, Mr. Klimov added, told Saakashvili directly that the attempt to solve the problem of “unrecognized republics” will block all further negotiations about their determination as a part of Georgia. Unfortunately, Saakashvili did not listen to our words and on the night of August 7th/8th delivered a mean strike on sleeping citizens of South Ossetia with volley fire systems. On the day of the beginning of the Olympic Games he began his blood shady enterprise and, after his “Blitzkrieg” to peaceful cities and villages was stopped by the Russian peace keeping troops he began to scream to the whole world about “Russian aggression”. A. A. Klimov called the attention of the MSM to the fact that after some months of the first war between Tbilisi and South Ossetia about a thousand people died, and two days of this war annihilated about two thousand civilians. - Do you imagine what the Americans who love Saakashvili so much would say if someone killed several million US citizens. However this is exactly the same scale if we recollect the total population of South Ossetia, deputy Klimov said. The West, especially the USA besides arming Georgia without any rightful reason, militarizing its economy, as well as not stopping their educatee Saakashvili, when he annihilated towns and villages, they defend this, in fact, war criminal and make threats to Russia, Mr. Klimov protested. - I am the Russian deputy and it is in the first place for me to consider neither the opinion of Washington or Brussels, nor the one of foreign MSM, but the voices of my electors and those decisions I voted for earlier. That is why, if the State Duma poses a question about recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, I will vote for these forced decisions. In this situation all the responsibility for the consequences of such steps is, in the first and principal place, on the authorities of Georgia. History has proved many times that the strengthening of Western pressure on Russia will only yield the reverse effect. The attempts of the isolation of my country will not lead no one to nothing good. I will explain this to my colleagues. - By the way, Mr. Klimov added,- when in spring in public I suggested to my colleagues from the European Parliament to meet not only Georgian politicians but also the representatives of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, they refused to, referring to the absence of powers. Unfortunately, one-sided, tendentious information or, better to say, misinformation, leads the European Parliament to quite biased conclusions and appraisals. The deputy considers that the beginning of the new “cold war” will not have good consequences for the West itself. Is it worth jeopardizing life on the Earth for dangerous caprices of Mr. Saakashvili? – deputy A. Klimov asked in conclusion.

A.Klimov: The Americans might have tested Russian army through Georgia.
14/08/2008
Deputy of the Russian State Duma, vice-Chairman of the Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov said, while commenting upon the suppositions of the president of Georgia Mr. Saakashvili about the reasons of the conflict: “Certainly, now it is very difficult to put forward some doubtful theories, but I have several versions which are more reliable that the ones of Mr. Saakashvili. For example, it is well-known that from time to time American military men tested defense potential of the Russians with the help of local armed conflicts. This happened in Vietnam, later in Africa and in the Middle East, then in Afganistan and, finally, in Tchechnya. But Russia has lately decided not to participate in armed conflicts beyond its territory. Against this background the aggressive actions of the soldiers of the United States in different parts of the world looked, to put it mildly, not too good, as the “Soviet Evil Empire” no longer existed. That is why the attempt to have Russia involved in the armed conflict (by the authorities of Georgia in this case) could serve two more aims. The first one is to resuscitate the myth about Soviet-Russian threat and thereby somewhat whitewash own aggressive actions in the world and the second one is to test the condition of the Russian army in concrete field conditions. By the way this version is shared by quite serious experts both in Russia and in the EU states. But it seems to me, - Mr. Klimov added, - that the president of Georgia went too far with South Ossetia having annihilated civilians. Thus, the situation took an unexpected turn for the Americans. Incidentally, this situation allows the Americans have Europe split and receive extra political profit or, maybe, also the economic ones, as the consolidation of resources of RF and EU puts the USA in invariably disadvantageous position in global competition. Mr. Saakashvili came very opportunely and became a kind of “Trojan horse”. These are versions, of course, - the deputy concluded, - but I do hope that parliamentary investigation that I suggested to carry out, may help largely to make this dark and, unfortunately, blood story more clear.

Klimov suggests parliamentary investigation.
12/08/2008
Vice-Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International affairs Andrej Klimov suggests to hold, for the sake of completeness of the tragedy picture of thousands of citizens of Russia and South Ossetia as a result of barbarian actions of the authorities of Georgia against civilians, a parliamentary investigation, the results of which are to be announced to the parliamentarians from other countries and to the world public at large. “This suggestion, deputy Klimov considers, corresponds to the Russian legislation, international practice and does not interferes with the holding of a criminal investigation and addressing international judicial instances”. Andrej Klimov also announced that in the first minutes of the tragedy he called his colleagues from the European Parliament and, being a co-Chairman of the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, he asked them not to estimate rashly and examine carefully not only the point of view of Georgia but also the Russian one. Besides, A. Klimov underlined that it is high time for the European deputies to get to know directly the opinion of the citizens of the “unrecognized republics” (South Ossetia and Abhazia). He reminded that before the recognition of the independence of Kosovo its citizens had been frequent guests in Brussels. In the situation with Georgia, political correctness demands to judge not only by the opinion of official Tbilisi but also by the position of the citizens who do not want to die from the hands of the Georgian soldiers. While commenting at the BBC the announcement of the Georgian authorities about the withdrawal from the CIS, A. Klimov emphasized that today’s leaders of Georgia had been speaking about such an intention for a long time. “I cannot imagine, he said, how the leaders of Russia shake hands with the new leader of Georgia, who is responsible for thousands of innocent people. So I do not regret his intention of withdrawal from the CIS. As for the Georgian people I believe that some time later they will regret that this president interrupted two hundred-year friendship between our countries”.

A.Klimov was introduced in Brussels.
18/07/2008
Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International affairs of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Andrej Klimov has recently been a head of the joint interparliamentary committee Russia-EU. As a head of the committee, he was invited to the final (before summer holidays) session of the Committee on International affairs of the European Parliament. Besides europarliamentarians and experts, two prominent politic figures took part in it. Those where European Commissioner for External Relations Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Minister of Foreign Affairs of France Mr. Bernard Kouchner. By the way, Andrej Klimov had meetings with both of them in Moscow and now compared what they had told on the Russian land and what they were telling in the European Pariament. The presence of Andrej Klimov was not left without attention. He was publicly greeted by the Chairman of the Committee on International affairs of the European parliament Yatsek Sariush-Volsky and the European commissioner did not hesitated to come out of presidium and kiss Mr. Klimov on cheeks three times. French minister did not kiss the Russian deputy but told that the EU will not be able to carry on effective international policy without Russia, that is why it is high time to change the tone in which some countries try to talk to this great country. Not everyone in the conference hall liked this new attitude to Russia, but, as A.Klimov said after the visit to the EU, the number of evident Russian enemies in the European Parliament decreased noticeably. In any case only in several of 15 personal conversations with the deputies of different factions they showed unhidden Russophobia. But more than a half of deputies expressed their readiness to help forwarding new ideas of strategic partnership between our countries. Besides European Parliament, the leaders of the Committee on international affairs of the Parliament of Belgium also received deputy Klimov. There they came to an agreement to hold a joint parliamentary session on wide range of questions of Russia-Belgium relations in November. Andrej Klimov did not forget about the interests of the his krai citizens. At the request of the government of Perm krai he investigated the possibility to present Prikamye in the capital of Europe in the end of the present year and in Brussels he received the necessary support on this matter which is so important for the region.

The holiday is delayed.
14/07/2008
Most of the deputies of the State Dume are already on leave since July, 14. However not all of them are. Andrej Klimov is sent to the European Parliament, Brussels, by the Council of the State Duma. His aim is to discuss the beginning of negotiations between EU and Russia on the new agreement and agree on the joint deputy hearing with the participation of the Belgian colleagues in November 2008. But after Mr. Klimov is back from the capital of the EU he will not be able to take a rightful holiday as he promised to hold meetings on different questions in the north of Perm krai. in July and August he will visit districts of Gainy, Kochevo, Kosa, Yurla, Cherdyn and Krasnovishersk. But what about holiday? – we asked parliamentarian and international affairs expert from Perm. I will try to spend about two weeks in the end of July somwhere in health resort, - he answered, - where I could begin the work on the new book addressed to the inhabitant of the EU. I would like to let them know what we think about them.

The Hungarians assured Mr. Klimov that they are the friends of Russia.
28/06/2008
On the eve of the international congress of Finno-Ugric peoples vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs Andrej Klimov received a great delegation of Hungarian parliamentarians in the State Duma and answered their numerous questions. Guests assured their Russian colleague that, inspite of the fact that Hungary is a member of the NATO, it is going to preserve friendly relations with the Russian Federation, and is for the expansion of cooperation in all spheres. A. Klimov, in his turn, told his Hungarian colleagues that their example is especially important against the background of attempts of some “new Europeans” to rewrite history, to build artificial obstacles in the path of European integration and to force anti-Russian attitude.

Andrej Klimov decided to turn “a club into a laboratory”.
26/06/2008
Having returned from Brussels, where deputy of the State Duma A.Klimov was as the head of the Russian part of the constant EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, he announced that in general he is satisfied with the things that could be done. “By common effort we could protect the agenda of extraneous issues of our traditional “well-wishers”. During two days on the high level we were discussing the issues about our future strategic agreement between Russia and EU, the course of our energy dialogue and social rights of the citizens of Europe. The European parliamentarians agreed to transform the PCC from a discussion club into the serious laboratory dealing with researching urgent problems in our relations and working out concrete and realistic suggestions concerning their solving. We settled the time of the new meeting which will take place in Russia in the end of October. It is decided to examine the matters of intercultural dialogue, of human rights as an integral part of political, economic and social life of the Europe. Moreover, the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee will consider environmental issues and questions connected with dangerous climate changes. This is the reason why the Russian parliamentarians and their colleagues from the EU will come to Astrakhan from Moscow. Visiting of new regions is also admitted as an important part of the joint work. It is decided to amend, for better efficiency of the future meetings, the existing regulations of the activity of the Committee and to form a few working groups (including the ones dealing with the energy dialogue, problems of adopting non-visa regime etc.)

The European Club meeting the EU Commissioner and received an application from Zhirinovsky
06/06/2008
On June 4 in the Gerbovy Hall of the State Duma the sitting of the European club under the chairmanship of Vice-Chairman of the parliamentary Committee of international affairs Andrej Klimov took place. The members of the Club (the deputies of the RF State Duma, experts and journalists) met EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Valdner, who is supervising the questions of external relations of the EU and the policy of neighbourliness. On behalf of the leaders of the State Duma the guest was greeted by First Vice-Chairman of the State Duma Oleg Morozov. After that the EU Commissioner made a speech, in which she touched upon he problems and perspectives of relations between the EU and Russia. The speech was listened to very attentively but caused numerous questions of the members of the European Club. They were asked by the representatives of all the factions of the State Duma, by Russian scholars and specialists. The discussion, which lasted for two hours, was concluded by the speech of the Head of the Committee of international affairs of the State Duma Konstantin Kosachev. On the same day the leader of the faction of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia Vladimir Zhirinovsky (he also took part in the discussion) send an application addressed to the direction of the European Club, and personally to A. Klimov, in which he expressed his wish to become a member of this informal deputy association.

Christian world as a bearing of Europe
27/05/2008
In the discussion “Christian values in the European civilization: views from the East and the West” in the middle of May initiated by Vice-Chairman of the RF State Duma Andrej Klimov, with the participation of Vatican, Russian Orthodox church, politicians and experts from different countries of the EU and from Russia, was held in Rome, Andrej Klimov has e received suggestions of continuation of such a dialogue. The Poles, for example, decided to organize a special section “Values that unite us” within the limits of the economic forum in Kritnica in September. Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of Perm Krai Sergej Klimov supported the organization of the international seminar concerning the role of Christian values in Europe in 2009. He suggested that the seminar itself could be combined with the annual all-Russian exhibition “Orthodox Rus”. Vatican has send a letter to the State Duma and personally A. Klimov, in which suggested to extend the circle of politicians who can further carry on a dialogue between European East and West on the basis of common spiritual values. The idea was also supported by Head of the Paris European Academy Jean-Jacques Schaffhauser, who visited Andrej Klimov in his Duma office in Moscow on May 26 and suggested a series of activities aimed at integration of the Europeans on the basis of the values that form a bearing of the European civilization. It was agreed to continue this conversation in Paris after France takes presidency in the European Union. Commenting upon this, the deputy of the Russian parliament said: “It is common knowledge that Christianity is one of the fundamentals of the European civilization, and Christian values form a basis of common European values, which are shared both in EU and Russia. Today we have to find something that unites us, that helps to eliminate artificial obstacles between people, peoples and countries. – Search of common values, taking into account Christian traditions is not leveled against other religions, is not against atheists, agnostics or other cultures and traditions. But it is to protect one of the most important parts of the European culture, European values, the European civilization itself. And we do not have more rights than those, who support preserving and multiplication of values of other confessions, cultures and civilizations.

Urmala as a political resort.
26/05/2008
Urmala resort situated in Latvia, on the Baltic seaside, has been famous since Soviet times not only as a sanatorium but also as a place to hold different cultural activities. It seems that nowadays this seaside area is becoming something like Davos in Switzerland. It is here that the organizers of the “Baltic forum” of the European politicians, businessmen and experts decided to celebrate their tenth birthday since the moment of the establishment of their international conferences. The thirteenth in succession and anniversary in age, “Baltic forum” was opened on May 23 in the upgraded sanatorium which belonged to the Council of Ministers of the USSR and is now five-star hotel “Baltic Beach”. Around hundred representatives of the EU and Russia spent three days in sharp and frank debate concerning numerous problems of our relations: from observance of human rights (including the rights of people who are named “non-citizens” in Latvia) to the issues of energy dialogue and signing a new agreement between the RF and the EU. The members of Latvian government, ambassador of the RF to Latvia Alexander Veshnyakov, Head of Russian delegation in the European parliament, Vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the RF State Duma Andrej Klimov, the deputies of the European parliament and national parliaments of the EU countries, a great number of experts, businessmen and journalists took part in this forum.

Lobbyism is a subtle thing.
22/05/2008
The Committees of Security and of International affairs of the State Duma held a “round table” on questions of international experience of legislative regulating of lobbyism in the light of struggle against corruption. The moderators of the discussion were Vice-chairmen of the Committees Mikhail Grishankov and Andrej Klimov.

Breakfast with a minister.
21/05/2008
On May 21 at 8 o’clock in the French embassy in Moscow a work breakfast on the occasion of a visit of the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France Bernard Couchner took place. The Russian parliament was presented by Vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the State Duma Andrej Klimov. The parties exchanged their opinions about the relations between Russia and the European Union on the eve of the presidency of France in the EU.

The President of Italy made advances for Mr. Klimov.
20/05/2008
On May 15-16 in Rome the great annual international forum devoted to the relations of Russian and EU took place. The forum was held under the patronage of Italy’s President Georgio Napolitano, who decided not only to visit its opening but also to take part in the discussion. After the greeting speeches main speakers were invited. Russian parliament was presented by the Head of the Russian delegation under the European Parliament, Vice-Chairman of the committee of International affairs of the State Duma Andrej Klimov. The chairman of the forum at that moment was ex-president of Poland Alexander Kvasnevsky. That was he who announced that “all the main reports should be finished by 11.15 because of the intensive schedule of Mr. Napolitano” that is why all the speakers were limited to 10-15 minutes. As usual speeches were longer than expected and the Deputy was one of the last to present his speech. – Reportes asked me about fifty questions and a chairman left me about 5 minutes. – Andrej Klimov remarked. – But I will try, such things also happen in Duma. In this place for unknown reason interpreting was off. Then the Deputy turned to English and continued to speak. And here came the note from Italy’s president: “You need not be in a hurry, I will wait until the end of the discussion”. – Grazie, signore Presidente! – replied Mr. Klimov and finished his speech to the applause of the audience. On the same day Depury Klimov himself was a chairman of the discussion on “Christian civilizations: view from the East and the West”.

Intellect is at the games.
30/04/2008
The year of Olympic games attracts double attention to sport and sportsmen. But what is sport? Is it possible to refer competitions where people use their intellect but not muscles to sport? It has long been a matter of debate. It is no coincidence that you will not see chess and draughts among other Olympic sports. However, neither chess players nor draught players cease to consider themselves real sportsmen, as well as millions of fans all over the world do not cease to love these games. Moreover, the competition for the world chess crown has long been in the centre of attention of all chess lovers, media and even politicians. The activists of the international association of IMSA claimed their rights to holding of a world competition on intellectual kinds of sport. On April 26-29 in Perm, on the border between Europe and Asia, they invited best representatives of four such games: chess, draughts, bridge and go. Every sport was presented by twenty-five sportsmen from many countries of Eurasia. The competence of the players is proved by the fact that many world champions, including a legendary chess player Anatoly Karpov were among the guests to come to the Western Ural. The chiefs of the world Olympic movement and Russian officials (among them is Vice-premier of the Russian Government Alexander Zhukov) congratulated the participants. They were also greeted by the ambassador of Belgium to Russia Bertrand de Crombrugghe. He was, by the way, one of the Western diplomats who took part in multy-board chess play with A.Karpov. From the part of the Russian parliament a great help in the organization of Perm intellectual games was received from Vice-chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the State Duma Andrej Klimov. The organizing committee gave him the right to open the ceremony of awarding the winners. Summing up the results of the first international games of such format the head of the organizing committee, businessman and sponsor of the event Valery Zakoptelov underlined that April games are just the beginning. He is planning to “go up to Pekin” and hold large-scale competitions of sportsmen-intellectuals in order to make this event Olympically important.

Intellect is at the games.
30/04/2008
The year of Olympic games attracts double attention to sport and sportsmen. But what is sport? Is it possible to refer competitions where people use their intellect but not muscles to sport? It has long been a matter of debate. It is no coincidence that you will not see chess and draughts among other Olympic sports. However, neither chess players nor draught players cease to consider themselves real sportsmen, as well as millions of fans all over the world do not cease to love these games. Moreover, the competition for the world chess crown has long been in the centre of attention of all chess lovers, media and even politicians. The activists of the international association of IMSA claimed their rights to holding of a world competition on intellectual kinds of sport. On April 26-29 in Perm, on the border between Europe and Asia, they invited best representatives of four such games: chess, draughts, bridge and go. Every sport was presented by twenty-five sportsmen from many countries of Eurasia. The competence of the players is proved by the fact that many world champions, including a legendary chess player Anatoly Karpov were among the guests to come to the Western Ural. The chiefs of the world Olympic movement and Russian officials (among them is Vice-premier of the Russian Government Alexander Zhukov) congratulated the participants. They were also greeted by the ambassador of Belgium to Russia Bertrand de Crombrugghe. He was, by the way, one of the Western diplomats who took part in multy-board chess play with A.Karpov. From the part of the Russian parliament a great help in the organization of Perm intellectual games was received from Vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the State Duma Andrej Klimov. The organizing committee gave him the right to open the ceremony of awarding the winners. Summing up the results of the first international games of such format the head of the organizing committee, businessman and sponsor of the event Valery Zakoptelov underlined that April games are just the beginning. He is planning to “go up to Pekin” and hold large-scale competitions of sportsmen-intellectuals in order to make this event Olympically important.

While they split Europe in Vilnus, in Perm they build bridges in the Old World.
29/04/2008
On April 28 first announcement about the decision of the official Vilnus to put a veto upon the negotiations between the EU and Russia about the new strategic partnership agreement appeared. The Lithuanian authorities laid claims to Russian government that are difficult to call adequate. This happened shortly after Poland decided to cease the blockade of EU-Russia negotiations. Thus, the predictions of the Russian party about the “new Europeans” who would, replacing one another, try to put a spoke in the wheel of the process of forming four common spaces (external and internal security, humanitarian and economic spaces) in Europe. It coincided so that on this day on the initiative of Russian non-profit organization PIT-fund in Perm, where Europe begins geographically, the international “round table” took place. Politicians, diplomats and businessmen from Russia and EU countries took part in it. The topic of the discussion speaks for itself – “Russia-European Union: not only oil and gas”. 34 participants from ten European countries discussed thoroughly three aspects of economic cooperation between our countries: - The ratio of principles of “free market” and of “protection of national interests” - Interregional partnership (potentials and limits) - Technologies of the 21st century: competition and partnership The session was opened by Chairman of the Committee of International affairs Konstantin Kosachev, who read out a greeting of the Chairman of the RF State Duma Boris Gryzlov. An extract from this letter runs as follows: “It is the second year when in Perm, at the Urals, where the geographical border between Europe and Asia lies, Russian deputies, their colleagues from the European Union, diplomats, representatives of business circles and experts carry on an open and substantive dialogue upon issues of great urgency for development of overall cooperation on the European continent. The results of the first “round table” in 2007 indicated that the new format of meetings that was started in Perm received a good rating in European countries”. The speaker of the Russian Duma expressed his belief that the issues on the agenda of the forum “could significantly raise the efficiency of the whole complex of relations between Russia and the European Union”. The EU countries were presented by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovenia (the country presiding over the EU) Andrej Benedejcic, Deputy Head of the constant representative office of the European Commission in Moscow Paul Vandoren and the deputy of the European Parliament, Vice-Chairman of the EU-Russia Parilamentary Cooperation Commission Reino Paasillina. The governor of Perm krai Oleg Chirkunov also took part in the discussion. Commenting upon the discussion (the greater part of which was closed to public by mutual arrangement of the parties). The Head of the constant Russian Delegation to the European Parliament, Vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the RF State Duma and the head of the organizing committee of the forum in Perm Andrej Klimov said: “Our meeting takes place on the eve of the plenary session of the PCC in Brussels and the RF-EU summit in Khanty-Mansyjsk. It is evident that the decision of Vilnus to block the beginning of negotiations about the new agreement with the EU was not ignored. It is worth mentioning that no one of the participants supported the actions of Lithuanian leaders. We really have many problems with the EU, - stated the chief Duma’s “European” A. Klimov, - but there are also great significant achievements, there are great prospect of cooperation. It is a pity that political inferiority complex and obvious provincialism of particular leaders of “young Europeans” stops us from joining efforts in order to create Europe without dividing lines”. Speaking about the results of the discussion the federal parliamentary noted that, firstly, it was the first time when discussing such matters did not lead to empty talks and considering abstract philosophical and ethic questions, and was free of excessive ideologizing. Secondly, the concrete methods and forms of work in the economic sphere on the level of regions, SME business, in the sphere of high technology, development of transport infrastructure, parliamentary cooperation and improvement of the legislation of our countries were indicated. Within the limits of the forum Russian and French participants exchanged their opinions which is very important as France will be presiding over the EU since July 1. Finally, during the forum in Perm details of an important investment transaction (more than a billion euro) closely connected with one of the enterprises of Perm krai were discussed.

Andrej Klimov: NATO has no moral right to reproach Russia.
18/04/2008
On April 18 Vice-Chairman of the Committee of international affairs Andrej Klimov addressed the members of the State Duma with a special statement. Mr. Klimov expressed his indignation at the statement of the General Secretary of NATO Jaapa de Hoop Sheffera. The point is that the State Duma adopted the Resolution on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in which suggested to the President of Russia to intensify the support of Russian citizens living on these territories. President Vladimir Putin signed a corresponding edict. NATO protested seeing in all this something close to undermining the sovereignty of Georgia. - NATO has no moral right to reproach Russia, - declared Deputy A.Klimov – it was NATO who bombed and split Yugoslavia, the countries of NATO, in fact, crushed the sovereign right of Serbia for the integrity of its territory and recognized the independence of Kosovo. The parliamentarian reminded that the edict of the President is not against the international law and recommended NATO “lay own fault at somebody else's door”.

Klimov united with the king’s councellor.
16/04/2008
On April 16 in Moscow in the Committee of international affairs of the State Duma its vice-Chairman Andrej Klimov received the members of the Consultative Council on international affairs of the Kingdom of Netherlands. The representative delegation of Holland was interested in many things, but the main were the perspectives of EU-Russia relations. Andrej Klimov explained to the foreign experts that the Russian party considers that it is indispensable to have a new strategic partnership agreement and for this it is needed to carry on corresponding negotiations. Deputy Klimov underlined that Russia needs such a document no less than the EU. He explained the position of the deputies of the Russian parliament concerning the questions of our relations with NATO and the problems of Russia’s joining the WTO.

The Vice-president of the European Parliament visited Russian Duma.
16/04/2008
On April 16 vice-President of the European Parliament Marek Sivec arrived in Moscow. The aim of his visit was work meeting with the cochairman of the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC), the vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs Andrej Klimov. The parties discussed the perspectives of the activity of the PCC, taking into account the new role of the European Parliament (after the effectiveness of the Lisbon agreement the role of the European Parliament increased drastically). Andrej Klimov answered the questions of the high-ranking guest about the attitude of Russia towards the EU at the present period and about the results of the presidential election in Russia. The conversation was rather frank and was closed to mass media.

Foreigners in “United Russia”.
14/04/2008
Before the ninth congress of “United Russia”, where the members of the party decided to discuss the results of the election and their activity up to 2020, not only Russian experts but also their foreign colleagues were invited. The work with the last ones was under the supervision of the vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs, the member of “United Russia” Andrej Klimov. - Our guests, he said, took part in all eight sections of the discussion forum of the party. Important people came. For example, one of the participants of the discussion about new Russian elite was my old acquaintance the head of the international affairs department of “Financial Times” Quentin Peel, and the problems of Russia in the global world were considered with the participation of our guest from Germany Alexander Rar, the leading specialist on Russia in Germany. The number of competent experts who came to us was twelve and judging by their comments, he added, they are satisfied with profundity and straightforwardness of this interchange of views. After that all foreign guests were also invited to the congress of “United Russia”.

"Forest limitless expanse" ("Lesnye Dali") in the world policy.
13/04/2008
Past weekend one of the most authoritative non-governmental organizations of Russia – the Foreign and Defense Policy Council - gathered for its 16th annual assembly in the boarding house “Lesnye dali” near Moscow. - This time, the member of the Foreign and Defense Policy Council, the vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the State Duma, Doctor of economics Andrej Klimov commented the present meeting, - we decided to hold but closed to foreigners debates about Russian foreign policy in “the new era”. Some of the main questions were “Russia and the West: the limits of opposition” (the chairman was Irina Hakamada, one of the brightest right representatives), “The role of Russia in global regulation” (the chairman was ex-minister of foreign affairs and security Igor Ivanov) and “Russia in the world economy” (with Oleg Kiselev, the member of Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RUIE) as a chairman). The debated began with the detailed examination of the title report, which was prepared by the incumbent minister of foreign affairs Sergej Lavrov (also a member of the Council). - Practically all the members of the assembly the conversation was one of the most straightforward and urgent during the last years, Deputy Klimov remarked. - It is not connected, I think, only with the correlation of forces on the world political arena, but also happens because of Russia can and will have to define precisely its foreign policy. Andrej Klimov underlined that many of the issues of the assembly in “Lesnye dali” will be presented for further discussion during the congress of “United Russia” which will be opened the next day after the assembly of the leading Russian experts.

Klimov: hands off from the Olympic Flame!
11/04/2008
Vice-Chairman of the State Duma Committee of International affairs Andrej Klimov addressed Russian parliament with the statement in view of the rough attempts to politicize the Olympic movement. The Deputy remarked that it was not the first time when Western politicians tried to solve their own problems, and “lay own fault at somebody else's door”. ”In this way it was the West to recognize the independence of Kosovo and to provoke aggressive actions of Tibetan separatists. Now the same Western politicians make hints about the possibility to blockade Chinese Olympic Games, and every hour world mass media are broadcasting rowdy attempts to put out the flame of the Olympiad. Besides, emphasized Mr. Klimov, we are concerned with the attempts to feel for the opportunity to blockade Winter Olympics in Sochi. Such announcements have already appeared in mass media either from “professional Russophobes” and “sponsored rights advocates”. Mr. Klimov finished his speech with the words: “Hands off from the Olympic Flame!”

General Secretary in the State Duma.
10/04/2008
On April 10, 2008 the General Secretary of the UN Pan Gi Mun arrived into the building of State Duma in Okhotnyi Ryad. 64-year-old Head of the United Nations was received by the vice-Chairman of the State Duma O.V. Morozov. The Head of the UN shared his impressions of the Moscow meetings with V.Putin, D.Medvedev, important Russian businessmen. He also thanked Russian peacemakers, appreciated highly the role of Russia in strengthening of the UN and emphasized a great significance of the parliamentary dialogue in the UN. Russia was also presented by the vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the State Duma of the RF Andrej Klimov and the vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the RF Alexander Yakovenko. The greater part of the meeting was closed to journalists.

Around Europe
02/04/2008
By all appearances, the new cochairman of the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, vice-Chairman of the State Duma Committee of International affairs Andrej Klimov decided to “take the bull by the horns” and some days after the reception of the official delegation of European parliamentarians himself arrived to the EU. In a period of 7 days (from March 26 to April 1) he managed to visit 5 cities in three countries of the EU in due course and hold 32 meetings! This includes his thorough conversation with five ambassadors of the Russian Federation (to Hungary, Holland, Belgium, in NATO and the EU), with deputies of national parliaments ( in Budapest, Hague and Brussels) and with members of the European Parliament. Besides, Mr. Klimov had meetings with the representatives of European businesses, experts in the field of economy and his nationals, who live in the EU countries. The range of matters discussed was very wide: from urgent questions concerning Kosovo and NATO to prospects of preparing the new EU-Russia strategic partnership agreement and the image of Russia in Europe. Having landed at home on April 2, early in the morning, Mr. Klimov went straightway to the State Duma, where Minister of Foreign affairs S.Lavrov presented his report. After the Minister answered deputies’ questions, he, accompanied by the Chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the RF State Duma Konstantin Kosachyov and vice-Chairman of this committee A.Klimov, came up to the eighth floor, where discussed behind closed doors the results of this quick visit of “Mister Europe” (as Kosachev sometimes calls Klimov) to Europe. Later the Chairman of the Committee of CIS Affairs and Nationals A. Ostrovsky joined them. Delighted faces of the officials of Foreign Ministry and the deputies it was quite clear that the discussion of the results of the visit was useful and constructive. However the details of the meeting were not announced to MSM.

Klimov explained to the Ambassador of Poland why American missiles, recognition of Kosovo and “meat veto” are dangerous.
21/03/2008
On March 21 vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs had a conversation with the ambassador of Poland Ezi Bar. Andrej Klimov who is in charge of the European direction of Russian policy, summed up the problems that disrupt the development of mutually profitable relations in Europe. Some of these questions are closely connected with the position of Poland. These are the participation of Poland in recognition of Kosovo and attempts to place American missiles in Poland near the Russian border, and, finally, “meat veto”, which stopped the process of negotiations about strategic partnership between Russia and the European Union. After quite frank interchange of views the deputy emphasized that normalization of relations between our countries is beneficial for Poland itself. And attempts to “do harm” to Russia will not have good effect. A.Klimov expressed his hope that the new Poland’s government will not make mistakes of their predecessors, which will bring more advantages to our Western neighbour than the policy of confrontation.

Breakfast with the Ambassador, dinner with the Patriarch, supper with the Chancellor
20/03/2008
For “ordinary people” breakfast, dinner and supper are, in the first place, eating. But people who, in working order, have to combine business with pleasure are a different matter. In this regard the working day of the vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs Andrej Klimov is not an exception. On March 20 during 12 hours he managed to have breakfast with the Ambassador of Hungary and his colleague from the European Parliament, take part in the formal dinner in honour of His Holiness Alexis II Patriarch on the occasion of the Feast of Orthodoxy, and have supper with the ex-Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Shreder. The meal, obviously, is not the main thing in such cases. During unhurried conversation with the diplomats, politicians, clerics and businessmen it is possible to discuss questions that are difficult to consider in other situation in a frank and straightforward way. There are many such matters: situation on the Balkans, NATO increase and possible joining of Ukraine and Georgia into the military-political bloc, the destiny of the strategic agreement between Russia and the EU, the way to non-visa relations between the countries of Europe, gas delivering routes and the ways to remove artificial barriers in economic sphere. These are not all the matters that were under the discussion of Deputy Klimov and his well-known partners in conversation. “Our work only seems to be a “party”, Andrej Klimov commented upon his working day. Our breakfasts, dinners and suppers is the work of our mind. Many things are to be remembered in detail to have their further analysis with colleagues and experts. So, do not hurry to be envious. The parliamentarian reminded journalists that results of such meetings are texts of political statements, draft legislation and practical recommendations. And there is also work in committees and commissions, wearing negotiations, analysis of great amount of information, public speaking and discussions at the plenary sessions of the parliament.

The “European Tuesday” of Andrej Klimov.
18/03/2008
On March 18 Deputy of the RF State Duma Andrej Klimov met for the first time his colleagues from the European Parliament as a co-Chairman of the EU-Russian Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. The representative delegation of 15 deputies of the European parliament arrived from Brussels to Moscow to get acquainted with new members of the Russian part of the PCC and to clear up plans for cooperative plans for the current year. The envoys from Brussels were accompanied by the head of permanent representation of the European Commission in Moscow Mark Franco and about a dozen of counsellors, assistants and experts. But the first meeting of the deputies from the EU was not in the State Duma, but in the Government House of the Russian Federation, where they were received by Deputy Prime minister Sergej Naryshkin. He introduced the new Russian co-Chairman – Deputy Klimov – and called him “a person who has long been studying Europe very profoundly”. Later Mr. Naryshkin was answering numerous questions of the European deputies for more than an hour. By the way, it appeared that this was the second conversation with the European deputies at such a high level in Russian parliament building. In the building in Okhotnyj Ryad guests from the EU were greeted by the vice-Chairman of the State Duma Oleg Morozov, who was the head of the Russian part of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee before Mr. Klimov (he has now loosen his reins to his colleague). When all the necessary ceremony was over Mr. Klimov and his counterpart from the EU Mrs. R. Oomen-Ruijten had a four-hour discussion with more than thirty parliamentarians (deputies from the European parliament, the RF State Duma and members of the Council of Federation). The most important questions on the agenda were the following: the destiny of the new EU-Russia strategic partnership agreement, the situations on the Balkans ( in the context of the forced separation of Kosovo from Serbia), the possibility of Russia’s joining WTO, energy dialogue between our countries, climate changes and environment protection, the results of elections in Russia and next parliamentary elections in the EU. The members of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee agreed to hold a full-featured joint session on June 24-25 in Brussels (the end of March-beginning of April) and the participation of the deputies of the European Parliament in a “round table” in Perm (the end of April). Moreover, one of the matters to discuss was the possibility of holding the next session of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in Perm, where Europe begins geographically. In the end the deputies expressed their content with the meeting of the new members of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and it had given the opportunity to count on a more dynamic parliamentary cooperation between Russia and the EU in four years.

Kosovo precedent and the situation around “non-recognized republics” of the post-Soviet territory. Theses of the report of vice-Chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the RF State Duma
13/03/2008
I would like to consider problems that exist on the post-Soviet territory in the context of “Kosovo precedent”, i.e. after official recognition of Kosovo (part of Serbia) independence by the USA and some of the EU countries in circumvention of UN Security Council. I have no doubt that recognition of so-called independence of Kosovo by some of the Western countries is a precedent that may in perspective not just have a serious impact on international law but also have dangerous effect in many regions of the world. I AM SURE THAT AFTER THE WEST CREATED “KOSOVO PRECEDENT”, RUSSIA HAS ALL FORMAL GROUND TO ACT THE SAME WAY, INCLUDING POST-SOVIET TERRITORY. The next question that is equally important is the following: how and when will Russia use these opportunities that are the result of “Kosovo precedent”. It is fair to say that the West makes and has made many mistakes on the Balkans, in Iraq, in Afghanistan. Those mistakes make, objectively, Western countries weaker, become crippling burden of their economies, cause damage of the reputation of “Western civilization”. But does it mean that Russia should pursue the same policy and multiply these mistakes, enfeebling itself, playing the ape, copying somebody else’s policy which is far from perfect? I believe, it should not. Even under the circumstances when the events in Kosovo created a legal precedent that “Pandora’s box” is already opened, let us remember that the situation in Kosovo and around it is not the same as the one in different parts of the post-Soviet territory. Thus, direct analogies may lead to improper conclusions, and the last ones - to decisions that will be perilous for the long-term interests of Russia. I believe that in this case our policy should be based on fundamental and long-term interests of Russia not only on the post-Soviet territory, but also in the world at large. Today there are voices that ask to correlate situation at the Caucasus with the Olympics in Sochi. They also hint at the intentions of some circles to darken this sport holiday. The objective analysis shows that the prestige of Russia in the world has enhanced and grown stronger as a result of Kosovo events. Our loyalty to the international law is worth respect and carry many countries over. Even those politicians who recognize the independence of Kosovo say that they feel that the position of Russia is right and the policy carried on under the pression of Washington is rather adventurous. Is it worth hurrying up to disrupt the image of Russia as a country that observes strictly international law. If we ever use “Kosovo precedent” we should do it when the necessity of it is inevitable and all pros and contras are analyzed. But not under the influence of emotions. It is ridiculous to act like that in the international arena to “bring some harm” to the West or take revenge for somebody. Moreover, making “revolutionary” decisions on the post-Soviet territory it is very risky to overestimate own foreign political and economic forces and possibilities. It is obvious that the authority of Russia in the world is growing, but its potential is not that high yet. It is obvious that Russia is on the up grade but is it the reason to make our social and economic development more complicated, involving Russia into dingy international moves? Should we give more rise for the potential separatists in this multinational country with complicated administrative-territorial division. It is clear that today they are not so active as in the 90s but many of them are still alive and well and have not changed their views. That is the reason why in the federal constitutional law about the integration of new territories of other countries into Russia it is underlined that this is possible only on the basis of international agreements and the consent of the country the territory of which is integrating into Russia. I have many times taken part in the process of integration of the entities of the Russian Federation, including my former election district Komy-Perm autonomous okrug. I should say that even under favorable conditions this process takes a few years and demands great preparation, political and administrative expenses, explanatory work and material cost. We should not forget that before the recognition of Kosovo the Western diplomats had done much for the outreach of their ideas to form the image of Kosovo leaders in the world. The West is ready to invest millions of dollars in Kosovo, send thousands of specialists and experts there, including military and police forces. Are we ready now for such a large-scale work in several directions and all by ourselves? I think that before recognizing someone’s independence it is worth considering who will follow our example not to provoke a situation that took place when for about thirty years Turkey remained the only country to recognize the independence of “ the republic of Northern Cyprus”. Besides, I have no doubt that in the world there could be countries, members of the UN, that will start, judging by the “Kosovo precedent”, the process of recognition of territories, before Russia will do it. I do not think that Russia should be one of the first to do it. Remember that Russia was the first to recognize the independence of former Soviet republics. And extinguished overseas debt of the Soviet Union for all. However we could not see great gratitude of Baltic states and of other neighbours of ours for our prompt recognition of their sovereignty. As for the number of territories on the post-Soviet territory, I think that we should insist upon solving this problem, in the first place, by political negotiations between the parties to the conflict. In many cases we could and should, as well, form a system of corollary measures of direct support (political, informational, economic etc.) of the corresponding territories and, if needed, improve the status of our relations. In these conditions it is not necessary to recognize de jure the independence status of these territories. For carrying on such a flexible and reasonable policy it is necessary to alter some Russian laws which is the responsibility of our parliament. At last, in new circumstances we, deputies, should raise activity of the parliamentary diplomacy, including European direction, making Russian point of view clear and forming an adequate atmosphere around these territories. In this direction much is to be done by the parliamentarians, particularly via international parliamentary organizations and groups of parliamentary cooperation with foreign countries. Thus, THE VARIANT THE MOST SUITABLE IS THE ONE WHICH WILL PROVIDE RUSSIA WITH THE FREEDOM TO MANOEUVRE AND SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE TREATED MORE SERIOUSLY AFTER KOSOVO EVENTS. WE COULD AND SHOULD CHANGE THE FORMAT OF OUR RELATIONS WITH THESE TERRITORIES, STIMULATE DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN BUSINESS THERE, RAISE THE NUMBER OF RUSSIAN REPRESENTATIVES WORKING WITH THESE TERRITORIES. BESIDES, THE NUMBER OF RUSSIANS LIVING THERE IS NOT SO SMALL. AFTER THE WEST OPENED “PANDORA’S BOX” RUSSIA RECEIVED VERY IMPORTANT TRUMPS BUT IT IS NOT WORTH CHANGING IT UNDER THE IMPACT OF EMOTIONS OR MOMENTARY PR CAMPAIGN.

Deputy Klimov encouraged his colleagues “not to squander the trumps”.
13/03/2008
In connection with the parliament proceedings organized in the State Duma on March 13, 2008 under the aegis of the Committee for CIS affairs and relations with the nationals, vice-Chairman of the Committee of International Affairs of the RF State Duma Andrej Klimov encouraged his colleagues treat guardedly appeals to Russia to recognize the independence a number of the territories on the post-Soviet territory following the recognition of Kosovo independence. Mr. Klimov highlighted that Moscow, while pointing out its position, had been emphasizing that recognition of self-appointed “states” leads to the destruction of the international law system. The deputy agreed that the West had opened “Pandora’s box” and set a dangerous precedent, and, thus, formally Russia (like other countries) received a formal reason to act the same way in different parts of the world. He encouraged deputies to treat such opportunities with great concern. According to Klimov, our country, thanks to screwups of some Western diplomats our country received many trumps. “We should not use them in the heat of the moment”, the deputy said. Taking into consideration the theoretical possibility of recognizing such territories as Abkhazia and North Ossetia, the parliamentarian recommended to weigh all pros and contras, including long-term consequences not only in this region of the world. A. Klimov considers that, with the events involving Kosovo, in such conditions “the format of relations” with these territories could and should be changed not to carry this matter to extremes. “We, the deputy told, should not be led by the wish to bring harm to someone, make the same mistakes (that the West did) on the Balkans, but we should act calmly and seriously judging by long-term interests of the Russian Federation”.

Deputies from Russian and European Parliaments came to an agreement…on the agenda of their next discussion for the time being.
13/03/2008
A few days before the visit of the delegation of European parliamentarians (members of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee - PCC) to Russia the newly elected co-Chairman of the PCC from the Russian part Deputy of the RF State Duma A.Klimov and his counterpart from Brussels, the Head of the delegation of the European parliamentarians R. Oomen-Ruijten arranged the agenda for the joint session that is to be held on March 18 in Moscow in the building of the State Duma. The deputies of parliaments decided to interchange their views on the perspectives of signing a new EU-Russia strategic partnership agreement (the last one was valid until November, 2007 and was given further effect for a year). Besides, the deputies will discuss the situation around so-called “energy dialogue” (Russia is the leading supplier of carbohydrates to the EU, and the EU is our main buyer of oil and gas). The parties will interchange their views on the perspectives of Russia’s joining WTO. And, finally, at the suggestion of Mr. Klimov, deputies from Brussels will dwell upon the coming large-scale reforms of the EU, the increasing role of the European Parliament and parliamentary elections in the next year. Andrej Klimov successfully insisted on a necessity to discuss the situation around so-called independence of Kosovo and the threats that appeared to be the result of unilateral actions of the United States and some EU countries.

“Mr. Europe” from Perm
12/03/2008
On March,12 during the joint session of the deputies of the State Duma and members of the Council of Federation, that form a part of the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, Andrej Klimov, vice-chairman of the Committee of international affairs of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, became new chairman of the PCC from the Russian part. Before Mr. Klimov this post was held by his colleague in “United Russia”, first vice-chairman of the State Duma Oleg Morozov. The Parliamentary Cooperation Committee was established on the basis of interstate agreement between Russia and EU (PCA) and is the only joint body of Russian and European parliaments. A. Klimov has already received congratulations from his counterpart in the EU Mrs.R.Oomen-Ruijten, from M.Franco, ambassador of the EU to Russia, and V.Chizhov, ambassador of Russia to the EU. Not so long time ago Mr. Klimov was elected as a chairman of the subcommittee of the European cooperation, the chief of the interparliamentary group of relations with the parliaments of Benelux countries (Belgium – Holland – Luxemburg) and the coordinator of the deputy European club. Thus, this fifty-three-year-old Doctor of Economics from Perm meets the characteristics that has recently been given to him by the chairman of the Committee of International affairs of the Russian Federation Konstantin Kosachev who introduced Mr. Klimov to the ambassadors as “our Mr. Europe”. In a few days in Moscow Mr. Klimov will receive a great delegation of the deputies of the European parliament, who are going to get acquainted with the new members of the Russian part of the PCC and to discuss the present relations between our countries and plans for the year.

The renewal of Euroclub activity
08/02/2008
On February, 21 in the palace Yusupovsky in Moscow the grand reception, devoted to the renewal of the activity of the European club, will be held. The chairman of the organizing committee of this event, vice-chairman of the Committee of international affairs Andrej Klimov announced that the deputies of the Russian Duma of fifth convocation are becoming more and more conscious of the importance of the renewal of the Euroclub activity. Mr. Klimov reminded that for the first time the idea of the establishment of such a club within the Russian parliament was realized during the activity of the third State Duma. At that time deputy Vladimir Koptev-Dvornikov became the chairman of the interfactional deputy association “The European Club”. Later he was not elected as a member of the State Duma of the forth convocation, but the deputy club continued its work beyond Duma and became one of the social organizations of Moscow. As for Mr. Klimov, as he had participated actively in the activity of the deputy club of the third State Duma, he decided to support this idea and realize it on Perm land, where a year ago he established, with the help of Russian non-profit organization “PIT-fond”, Perm European club (Perm is situated at the border between Europe and Asia). This event was not deprived of the attention of the diplomatic corps and now among the honorary members of the club are more than ten extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the European countries, and prominent Russian politicians and entrepreneurs.

Mr. Klimov is “in charge of the EU”
07/02/2008
On February, 7 the committee of international affairs of the State Duma has confirmed the new structure of subcommittees and elected their chairmen. The only one of the “old” chairmen who retained their posts was Andrej Klimov, vice-chairman of the Committee on international affairs, deputy of the State Duma, who became once again the chairman of the subcommittee of European cooperation. Mr. Klimov explained to mass media that his subcommittee has the main goals: coordination of the work of international parliamentary organizations, connected to Europe, preparing for ratification of the treaties and agreements with the European countries (except the agreements with the countries of the CIS, that the particular subcommittee is in charge of), and conduct of the relations between Russia and the EU by the methods of parliamentary diplomacy. The deputy underlined that he is inclined to pay more attention to the relations with the European parliament, the role of which in the EU, probably, would grow more and more important. With this aim A. Klimov is planning to become a member of the constant Parliamentary Cooperation Committee ooperation, established on the basis of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Russia and the EU.

Forming of the committees was held in the State Duma
16/01/2008
On January, 16, 2008 during the plenary session the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation confirmed Mr. Klimov’s appointment as vice-chairman of the Committee of international affairs of the State Duma.

The president thanked deputy Klimov
14/01/2008
On January, 14 during the meeting of the Presidium of the “United Russia” Alexander Kosopkin, plenipotentiary of the president of the Russian Federation by order of the head of state presented a letter to Andrej Klimov, deputy of the State Duma, in which Vladimir Putin thanked the federal parliamentary “for the active participation in the legislative activity”. This letter is the third one that Mr. Klimov receives from the Russian president. The two first were presented to him for the participation in the elelction campaigns of the president.

Mr. Klimov became a deputy in Brussels
21/12/2007
At the moment when the majority of the candidates for the post of the deputy of the fifth State Dima of the Russian Federation were waiting in their regions for the results to be announced by the Central Electoral Committee, the deputy of the fourth State Duma Andrej Klimov was in the centre of the EU, in Brussels. It is there where the Ambassador of Russian Federation to Belgium V.Lukov read out the government message about the election of Mr. Klimov, who had become a deputy of the Russian parliament for the third time. It would be just to notice that the reason why Mr. Klimov was far from Russia at this significant moment was valid enough. While the CEC was completing the official report about the results of the elections, Andrej Klimov went to Slovenia, where he was invited as a member of the group of Russian experts led by Serguej Yastrzhembsky, the Russian president’s assistant. The experts were to have a dialogue with Slovenian politicians and experts on the eve of Slovenia’s accession to presidency in the European Union. By the way, starting from January, 1 the Slavic country (which is, moreover, one of the so-called “new Europeans” – ex-countries of “the Eastern alliance” that have recently entered the EU) will for the first time preside in the EU. After the participation of the deputy in the lively and frank discussion in the ancient castle of Jable near Ljubljana the deputy was to visit the capital of the EU – Brussels. There “the chief European” of Russian State Duma had a number of important meetings with the representatives of the European Commission and local politicians. During these three days among the interlocutors of the deputy were: V. Lukov and V. Tchizhov, ambassadors of the Russian Federation to Belgium and to the EU, the eurocommissionners (“the ministers” of the EU) Laszlo Kovacs (taxes and customs) and Andris Piebalgs (energy), W. Philippa, general secretary of the European Round Table of Industrialists, and Anna Maria Lisen, vice-chairman of the Parliament Assembly of the OSCE; François-Xavier de Donnea, presiding commissioner on finances and budget of the House of Representatives of Belgium, and Hilda Vautmans, chairman of the Committee on international affairs of the House of Representatives of Belgium. In conclusion of this work trip Andrej Klimov took part in the presentation of the Russian company “Prognoz” in Brussels. The production of this company is the convicting example of the ability of our country to provide the markets of developed countries not only with oil, gas and other raw materials but also with the most up-to-date science-intensive production. It is more than 10 years that this company founded in Perm has been specializing in the development of program products for monitoring, modelling and prognostication of global social and economic systems. it was before the presentation that the ambassador of Russia announced the decision of the CEC by which the mandate of the deputy of the fifth State Duma had been passed to Mr.Klimov. December, 21, 2007.

The latest summit. There are professions where it is not customary to say “last”, this word is replaced by the one “latest”. The latest summit in the second term of the president of Russia V.Putin.
29/10/2007
The point is not just the tradition of holding such summits began ten years ago and this summit is the 20th one for the EU countries and Russia. The point is that the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of our countries has formally declined , in fact it no longer meets the present stage of the relations between two principal parts of Europe – 27 countries of the EU and Russia. Moreover the political leaders of the EU countries could not help being interested in the attitude of V. Putin to our further relations. The fact is that in the West it is understood that the future profession of V. Putin is of no importance as he will stay the true leader of Russia. We discussed it with the only Russian parliamentarian who took part in this historic summit Andrey Klimov. “Frankly speaking, - Andrey Arkadyevich started, - when I participate in the work of the delegations under the leadership of the President, I am always sorry about one thing – his speeches from the closed discussion are not to be broadcast. I am sure that the majority of my nationals would feel great and sincere pride. Even those foreign negotiation partners, who can hardly be called the great friends of Russia, emphasize not only the profound and thorough preparation of the head of the Russian state, but also his ability to formulate our position very precisely and decidedly, his nimble mind and his special methods. They also mention V. Putin’s straightforwardness, which is so rare among the Western politicians, who are used to hide behind a mask of well-known “political correctness”. Here at the summit in Portugal, when the shoot was over and journalists left the most interesting and important discussion began. The leaders of the EU and our president entered the discussion about the results and perspectives of the development of the relations between the EU and Russia.” “Andrey Arkadyevich, we can surmise that you are not allowed to let the readers into the details of the negotiations, nevertheless, what is the meaning of the relations between our countries?” “Usually the international activity is often treated as something cut off from everyday life, especially in Russian remotes. But it is not true. For example, in Perm region every second budget ruble is earned owing to the international activity. Our export and import operations and foreign investment secure thousands of workplaces. Thousands of Perm citizens travel abroad for affaires, study, treatment and sightseeing. Our cultural connectivity is developing actively. At the beginning of the year 2007 we organized the European Club with the participation of 8 Western ambassadors. But there are more important things that directly link international activity, foreign policy and the private life of each person. These are first of all the questions of war and peace, the fight against international terrorism and the dangerous changes of the climate on the Earth. You will certainly agree that neither peaceful sky above nor the preservation of life on the planet cannot be estimated with the help of money! – Here comes another question. During the last two years there have been many talks about coldness in the relations between the West and Russia and even about a “cold war” in Europe. It is the product of the imagination of some political forces and journalists bound to them. As a matter of fact our relations are now devoid of illusions and groundless expectations. Speaking about the true development of our relations it is worth saying that only in the presidency of V. Putin the commodity circulation between Russia and the EU has five times increased. Today the EU is the main economic partner of Russia. The direct investment of the EU in our country are about €30 mln and they continue to increase. We have established close business connection even in such complicated fields as security, fight against drugs and corruption. Moscow and Brussels are ready for the transfer from ordinary agreements to working out the basic treaty of the strategic partnership for the nearest 10-15 years. It was also announced during our meeting in Mafra. And some words about Mafra. It is well-known that the Portuguese decided to hold a summit not in Lisbon but in the antique country palace. Was it done for some special purposes? It may be, taking into consideration the words of the Portuguese diplomats, who told me that this palace was projected as a new capital of the Catholic world, a competitor to the Vatican in Rome. However, this idea was not successfully realized. But the palace remained. By the way, there is a curious story connected with the using of this building in the past. The negotiations with the EU took place in the room where on the ceiling there was an ancient painting - the scenes of the struggle between the Evil led by Mephistopheles and the Good, which was presented by the pastures of heaven. The seats were taken so that the delegation of Russia was “on the side of heaven”, and the one of the EU was under Mephistopheles. It may occur that the organizers did not pay attention to the ceiling, while choosing a room and arranging the seats. When perplexed negotiations were over and we were leaving the ancient room, I called the attention of Vladimir Vladimirovich to the Russian delegation on the side of “the paradise force”. “I did notice that, - he answered, sighing, and added ironically, - and the force on the other side was far from “paradise”. During the pause, having dinner, our delegation was discussing these strange symbols. Let joking be joking, but it is naпve to believe that Russia is surrounded by friends and well-wishers. Alas, the world lives according to the rules of competitive struggle. This is the reason for us not to relax and quiet down. Russia has many problems and the only people who would solve them are the Russian people. It follows that the appropriate requirement of the time is the unity of Russia and its society for the sake of the growth of common weal, providing all of us with predictable and secure future. What will happen after that? When will the new summit be held? V. Putin has already suggested thinking about the new summit with the EU in Siberia, in June 2008, after the inauguration of a new president of Russia. For his turn the special assistant of the European policy S. Yastrzhemsky has given to a commission to me to prepare for the following meeting of the experts in Slovenia (this country will preside in the EU beginning from January, 1, 2008). Our opinion exchange will begin in Ljubljana on December, 10. “Whoever will be the president and the deputies, - Sergey Vladimirovich remarked, - we do not have the right to make pauses in our work”. Let us hope that in 2008 the EU and Russia will come much closer to the signature of a new agreement on strategic partnership, which will determine in many ways the fate of our common European home in the 21st century.

А. Klimov: “The plan of V.Putin is not just an election campaign – it is the strategy of development of our country”.
23/10/2007
During the press-conference answering to the question about some mettlesome managers and promoters who appeared to be quite superfluous in advocating “the plan of V. Putin” A. Klimov, the Doctor of Economics, the deputy of the Russian State Duma said: “It is sad that good and right ideas are treated by some figures as a farce. As a result it turns out to be the cause of rejection among the citizens who share the present course of the development of Russia. If all the appearance of the current situation and glorification are put aside, on the whole, the plan of the political, social and economic development of the Russian Federation for the nearest 10-15 years, known as the “plan of V. Putin” is to be appreciated. The theses of the plan are realizable and scientifically well founded, as they were discussed and developed by the group of the highly experienced specialists taking into account major achievements, national experience, the specificity of the present stage of the development of Russia and new features related to the peculiarities of the present century. The plan of Vladimir Putin covers all the main currents of activity including internal policy and international relations. The goal is to provide the stable development of the Russian Federation in the interests of its citizens. “I have no doubt – A. Klimov emphasized – that the realization of the Russian society development strategy, connected with the name of V. Putin will lead to the practical rise of the Russian common weal in the forthcoming decade, will make the life in our country predictable and will contribute to the renascence of our Motherland not just from the material, but also from the cultural, spiritual point of view.” “I do hope, - he added. – that Russian people will appreciate the “plan of V. Putin” and will actively support it, despite the criticism of its opponents and the awkward activity of some excessively zealous “well-wishers”, opportunists and political bureaucrats. October, 23, 2007.

Where Europe ends.
23/10/2007
On October, 26, 2007 in Portugal (the president of the EU) the anniversary summit Russia-European Union will be held. Ten years ago sharp on a basis of the Agreement about partnership and cooperation the meeting of the leaders of Russia and the EU. The meeting will be the twentieth and the last in the presidential term of V. Putin. The member of the Russian delegation at the summit in Portugal, the deputy of the Russian State Duma, the doctor of Economics commented upon the summit talks: “ The summit in Portugal is not the regular meeting of the leaders of Russia and the EU, it is not simply the first anniversary of the official relations of the two main economic and political forces of Europe. In November 2007 the period of validity of the basic agreement between our countries formally expires. This Agreement about the partnership and cooperation was signed in 1993 and ratified in 1997. There is no doubt that it played a great positive role in the development of the European integration. However many theses of the agreement are out-of-date and ineffective under the conditions of the new reality and demands of the XXI century. Both parts came long ago to the conclusion about the necessity of the development of the new treat, which would be the basis of the strategic partnership between the 27 countries of the EU and Russia in the first quarter of the new century. In November 2006 Moscow was already eager to begin the negotiations about it. But Brussels was not able to overcome the veto of Poland to negotiate. As a result in December 2007 we will be bound to use the mechanism of the formal prolongation of the period of the agreement and this will limit the potential of our partnership. In this connection the results of the parliamentarian election in Poland allow us to hope that Warsaw will cease to hamper mutually beneficial relations in the Large Europe from the Urals to the Atlantic Sea. In this case at the forthcoming summit it will be possible to give an impulse to the preparation of the new basic document and its signature next year. Besides the official negotiations of the leaders that will occur on October, 26, on the eve of the summit in Portugal, the traditional “round table” with the business questions on the agenda will take place in Lisbon. Among the participants of the “round table” are not only the chiefs of the key corporations of our countries but also the ministers. Besides, a number of business and cultural meetings will be held within the framework of the Russia-Portugal relations. From the geographical point of view, Europe begins in the Western Urals and ends in Portugal beside the waters of the Atlantic Sea. I would like to believe that the meeting at the end of Europe will give the impulse not only to the relations between Russia and the EU but also to the complex of relations in this part of the world – in our common European home.

The initiative of A. Klimov finds support among the European deputies.
22/10/2007
The Russian State Duma has received the letter from the leadership of the Austrian parliament, where the “round table” held in Perm in May, 2007 on the initiative of A. Klimov said to be of great importance ( during the “round table” the leaders of the international committees of the EU countries and Russia discussed the problems and perspectives of the relations between the countries). The letter includes the suggestion to maintain the tradition of such meetings in Austria in April-May, 2008. The main features and the format of the meeting in Perm are proposed to be preserved and such a “ synchronization of watches” of the deputies of 27 European countries and of Russia is suggested to be carried out regularly. According to the words of Andrey Klimov’s European colleagues, the resume of the forum held in Perm were highly estimated by the permanent commission of the leaders of the international parliament committees of the EU countries, which took place in October, 2007 in Lisbon. They also share the idea about the necessity to settle the new form of the interparliamentary diplomacy and to support the idea of organizing the “round table” in Austria. After that the similar meeting on Cyprus. This was announced by the chief of the Profile Committee of the Parliament of Cyprus A. Neofitou after the meeting with the chairman of the Subcommittee of the European cooperation A. Klimov. The subject-matter of the discussion is supposed to be the concrete steps of the transfer to the non-visa travels of the citizens of our countries. It is worth mentioning that such an order had existed during ten years before the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the EU. October, 22, 2007.

A. Klimov’s concerns about Europe
09/10/2007
Despite the rapid “interior” autemn and the necessity to keep under control the situation in the electoral district the deputy of the Russian State Duma Andrey Klimov proceeds with the performance of his duty as the Chief of the parliamentarian subcommittee of the European cooperation. The pace of work in this complex and important field is getting more rapid in view of the summit of the EU and Russia which lies ahead in October 2007. The meeting of the leaders of our country and the EU will be held in Portugal. This will be not just a kind of an anniversary (ten years ago the first meeting was organized) but also the last summit in the presidential term of V. Putin. Andrey Arkadyevich is among the participants of the preparation and the realization of the summit. The parliamentarian diplomacy is the field of his activity. In this connection he has already organized a series of important meetings. For example, the meeting of A. Klimov with the Ambassador of Portugal Manuel Marcelo Curto in Moscow on October, 4 – his country is presiding in the EU since July, 1 of the current year. On October, 8 the deputy A. Klimov and the President’s assistant S. Yastrzhembsky had a meeting devoted to the details of A. Klimov’s participation in the summit in Portugal and his work as a Chief of the Duma Subcommittee of in October-December 2007. That day the deputy received the Ambassador of Luxembourg half of the “Brussels bureaucracy” works in this country) and discussed with him the perspectives of the parliamentarian activity of the coming year as well as the possibilities of widening the connections of Luxembourg (the leading financial centre of the world) and Perm region. The next person to enter the room of A. Klimov was the Minister of Political Affairs of Sweden Trubjorn Solstrem. On October, 9 on the instructions of the Chairman of the Committee of International Affairs K.Kosachev the Deputy A.Klimov had a meeting with one of the chiefs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany Mr. Folkershtantsel. The end of the week the Deputy will spend in Kaliningrad, where under the guidance of Sergey Yastrzhembsky the grand international conference on the problems of the frontier cooperation between Russia, the EU and Norway.

Interdisciplinary exhibition
17/09/2007
The international art project САР’E-O\2007 “Creative Communiy Ural – Europe” The coordinators of the project are the local cultural institution “Studio”, the public organization «Aliance Française – Perm» and the association “Slavantur” (Nancy, France). The organization and the financial aid: the local cultural institution The Central Show-room and the Perm State Duma, the local cultural institution “Studio”, the public organization «Aliance Française – Perm», Interregional Fund of Political Initiatives and Technologies, the Embassy of France in Russia, the Embassy of Belgium in Russia, the Embassy of Luxemburg in Russia, the cultural departments of the local authority and the cultural institutions of Nancy, Brussels, Luxemburg. On September, 17, 2007 at 16 o’clock, in the Central Show-room (10, Komsomolsky avenue) the opening of the interdisciplinary art exhibition «I see this when I am talking to you» - painting, graphics, textile design, video art, installation. The authors are European artists and designers from France, Italy, Belgium and Luxemburg. According to the framework of the project the meetings of the artists and masterclasses for Perm painters, students of Art and Design departments of Perm institutes of higher education and of the Art schools for children were organized. The participants of the project: Jean-Christof Masinon (France) painting, graphics, installation. In his works the artist is trying to draw a parallel between real everyday life and art. With the inspiration from the everyday life the author paints usual situation, deprived of unnecessary details. The works of Jean-Christof Masinon is full of various stories where each person can take part in. His first personal exhibition was held in 1986 in Nice. Later the works of the artist were presented at the exhibitions of modern art in France, Germany and Luxemburg. In January, 2006 В январе 2006г. Jean-Christof Masinon was among the participants of the salon “Art-Perm 2006”. Diana Steverlink (Belgium) Design. She believes that the form, aesthetics and poetics of a thing is determined by the material. Diana Steverlink is the graduate of the Higher School of Visual Art in Brussels, got a certificate of teacher degree of Higher School named after Galilee. Her works were exhibited at the numerous exhibitions and festivals in Belgium, Germany, France and Canada. Beatrice (Trixy) Veys ( Luxemburg) Installation. From 2001 till 2005 she was the participant of the various exhibitions in Luxemburg, Germany, France. Her works were exhibited in the Dominique Langue Gallery and the National History and Culture Museum of Luxemburg, are the adornment of the Ministry of Culture of Luxemburg. Lino Tonelotto (Italy-France) On-line installation, performance. The founder of the interdisciplinary theatre “Mirror”. The philosophy of the existence , the sense of human existence, the correlation of past, present and future are in the centre of the artist’s attention.

The second interregional Orthodox exhibition of the monasteries and temples, church trappings, icons, jeweller's, art and restoration studios, presents for the Orthodox holidays took place on August,
20/08/2007

The main goal of the event is to unite the efforts of the Russian Orthodox Church, temporal power and public organizations to keep and develop traditional spiritual values of the native culture, art and morals.

The participants of the grand opening of the exhibition are:
- distinguished guest of the meeting –the Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad Cyril
- the bishop of Perm and Solikamsk Irinarkh
- the ruling archbishop of Siberia and Melek Prokl
- the senior federal inspector in the Perm region Irina Sergeevna Tatarinova
- the president of the Exhibition association “RESTECH” Sergey Nikolaevich Trofimov
- the director general of the Exhibition centre “Perm fair” Sergey Arkadyevich Klimov

The exhibition was visited by the representatives of Ukraine and Belorussia.

The event is closely connected with the realization of the international conference project in 2008. This conference will be devoted to the discussion of the problems of spiritual and religious values preservation. The participants are supposed to be the representatives of Russia and the EU.

http://www.fair.perm.ru/show/?y=2007&vyst=207

ROUNDTABLE: EUROPE'S DESTINY DISCUSSED AT THE THRESHOLD OF ASIA.Perm, Russia
28/05/2007
Organaized by the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma This parliamentory roundtable will take place immediately following the May RUSSIA-EU SUMMIT and will focus on the strategic partnership between Russia and the European Union. What makes the upcoming discussion between Russian Duma deputies and their colleagues from the European Parliament and other EU national parliaments important and timely is the fact that next year the partnership agreement between the two sides formally expires. Representatives from the Presidential Administration,the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as well as European ambassadors and journalists will join the discussion...

30/11/1999

Perm, Bulvar Gagarina 65-201 tel. 262-58-42