[28 November 2004] The Russian Vice Foreign minister, Elxander Sultanoov was on an official visit to the rpublic of Yemen from November 19 to 21.To shed the lights on Sultanoov's talks with Yemeni officials and the objectives of his visit Saba News Agency filled the following interview with him.

Saba: What are the main issues you have talked with the president about?

Sultanoov: First full , I would like to confirm that the Russian Yemeni bilateral relations are constantly developing in the various fields.

We are in Moscow very satisfied with the level of the political relations and dialogue between the Yemeni and Russian leaderships.

Certainly, presidents Saleh visit to Moscow has created new horizons and prospects for these relationships and dialogue. Within the course of these contacts and dialogue I am visiting the friendly Yemen now .

Of course, my visit aiming at coordinating stances on the international issues and concerting efforts for combating the terrorism.

The visit also aims to , to exchange views on the peace process in the region and the situation in Iraq in order to find out the suitable means could help bringing about a compromise in the Middle East and resuming the negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians.

I have met with HE president Ali Abdullah Saleh and I explained the Russian Federation vision about all these issues. On his part, HE president Saleh explained the Yemeni stance.

During the meeting we reconfirmed the two sides intention to further enhancing the Russian Yemeni relations and cooperation in the different domains on top of which the economical and commercial.

When HE president Saleh had been to Russia, he had agreed with president Butin to exert efforts for inaugurating new areas of cooperation , particularly ,in the field of economy. The two sides have been making efforts for this end.

I can say that we are quite satisfied with the performance made in this regard as the number of the Russian businessmen and the commercial delegations who had been to Yemen has increased this year. Consequently, there is a wide range of prospects for setting up mutual projects for the common interests.

Saba: To what extent Russian - Yemeni viewpoints are identical on the issues which were discussed?

Sultanoov: I am so glad that Russians points of views are identical to Yemenis. There was no single disparity between the two sides. This is eventually will prompt us to step up the practical acts for more collaboration between the two sides , particularly in the field of the international issues.

Saba: What about the private sector role in promoting the economical and commercial relations between the two friendly countries?

Sultanoov: In my opinion , there are many potentials for Yemeni Russian cooperation and the businessmen of the two countries , particularly in the fields of energy, infrastructure and setting up some industrial projects which are of high significant for the Yemeni economy.

Saba: How about the Yemeni Russian collaboration in fighting the terrorism?

Sultanoov: We have emphasized on the necessity of the mutual work in this regard, not merely between Yemen and Russia but also it is very necessary to coordinate the collective efforts of the whole international community so as to stand up to the terrorisms dangers.

We have seen the terrorist acts in Russia, Europe and Arab world. This means that it is impossible for any single state to cope up with this challenge by itself lonely.

Of course, we have to take into consideration a number of factors such as the economical, social, cultural and educational. The civilizations, cultures and religions dialogue could be helpful factor. Within this context, talks with HE the president and foreign minister were focused on these points. Thus , we ought to take into account using the force.

Saba : What could Russia extend to Yemen to help bolstering its role in combating terrorism?

Sultanoov: There are tangible steps. I do think the specialists and expertise should coordinate the efforts in this regard.

Saba: What about the decoration of the Russian National Glory Center which granted to President Saleh?

Sultanoov: HE the president of the republic has been honored the decoration of the Civilization Dialogue as a recognition of his role in promoting the dialogue among the different countries. The gesture came as an expression of the Russian Social authorities recognition of HE's efforts in developing the Russian Yemeni relationships.

Saba: There is an invitation extended to HE president Butin to visit Yemen! Is there a proposition visit to Yemen by Mr Butin?

Sultanoov: Arrangements now are being underway for a series of visits Butin due to pay to several countries around the world of which middle east countries. But I can not tell you more details on this question now.

Saba: Now and then, international media came out with some stories about Yemenis who are suspected of terrorist issues in Russia! What is the Russian official stance on this matter?

Sultanoov: Our position is very clear on this issue. We know very well that our Yemeni friends, the government and the people alike have no link with those elements who might trend here or there. This is very obvious. In this context I would like to confirm that our relationship is constantly developing.

Saba : What about the Russian vision on resuming the peace process in the Middle East following Arafat death?

Sultanoov: First full, we wish that the appropriate climate will be created so as to make the authority transfer in the Palestine run smoothly in atmosphere of stability and calmness.

Thereupon, we hope that the Palestinian leadership will step forward the establishment the Palestinian statehood through the negotiations which are based on the road map.

We are in Russia as a member of the quartet committee will do our best to help the Palestinians achieving this goal. Hence , in the foreseeable days the foreign minister Mr. Lafroov will be meeting with the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships for talking about the peace process future.

Saba: The United States of America used to claim that Arafat had brought about the peace process stalemate! What's the Russian comment on this point?

Sultanoov: We did not share this stance with the U.S.A. We always used to consider the president Arafat as the legitimate elected leader of the Palestinian people. The demise of such great figure creates a new stage of the political arena in the middle east or in the Israeli Palestinian relations therefore we ought to grasp this chance to revitalize the peace process.

Saba: Some say that the Russian role, as one of the peace process patrons, in the middle east is absent! What's your comment on this?

Sultanoov: This is your opinion! I told you that our foreign minister will be meeting with the Israelis and Palestinians. Seven or eight years ago it might be said so, but now we are not absent. We have constantly kept on our existence with the Palestinians , Israelis and the other Arabs, as well as with our partners in the security council.. . . of course about the middle east issue.

By the way, our relations with the Arab States and Israel are very well and they are developing politically and economically. It is true that Russian role now is not as noticeable as it was in the reign of the Soviet Union.

As you know, the Soviet Union was one of the world's two polars along with the United States so its role was more influential and remarkable.

Saba: Can we say that due to its turning into the market economy and building a capitalist state , Russia has suspended its unconditional support to the middle east states and the under developing countries in general?

Sultanoov: This is true.. . why! Because we are still experiencing a transformational stage. This process is continuous at the moment. If our economy become stronger, our influence will be greater.

Saba: How do you view the capitalism prospects in Russia?
Sultanoov: I am optimistic about the capitalism and free market. The major problem is that in the history of any state and throughout the transformational stages there was some phenomenon used to surface and required the state s intervention to redress the imbalances might occur and bring things back to the right track. This is the natural thing and there is no reason for worry.

Saba: In the aftermath of the recent terrorist incident in the North Osetiea , President Butin had adopted some reforms in the security domain what prompted the US to described that as a re- treating from the democratic path. What is your comment?

Sultanoov: Of course, there are some basic rules of democracy but the ways of applying it and the move within the frame work of the democratic process might vary from one country to another. There is no ready prescription of democracy likewise the uniform.

Saba: What's your expectation of the American foreign policy led by Kondaliaza Rice?

Sultanoov: With respect to the middle east, it is required to resume the peace process negotiations in order to put the road map proposal in practice. The two sides should commit to carry out the overall road map plan . The Israeli unilateral withdrawal from Gaza can not be the first and last step. It must be in compliance with road map.

With reference to Iraq, it obviously that all of us should participate in considering the political process in side Iraq which could help bringing about stability and foundations for building the Iraqi state. In this regard we do suggest creating the proper climate for a dialogue that could help the Iraqis to come to a national reconciliation.


Saba: How do you view the upcoming election in Iraq will succeed in the light of the current situation?

Sultanoov: Generally speaking, we should help Iraqi people to elect the legislative authority and government. This is the international community mission.
SABA