Economic Relations between Kazakhstan and Russia

Ñòðàíèöà: 17/33

It can thus be said that the draft project for the formation of the EAU is in keeping with the natural aspirations of the peoples living in the post-Soviet space, the idea of new integra­tion. The project has not only acquired a great many supporters but has also proved that it is realistic, urgent, and vital.

Turning to the genesis of that integrative idea, it must be recalled that the Kazakhstan leader advocated the preserva­tion of good relations and re-integration on a new basis of the former Soviet republics from the very first days of the new states acquiring independence. President Nazarbayev stressed repeatedly that he never raised the idea of independence to the status of a fetish but rather endeavored to preserve old ties and create new ones. The idea of the Eurasian Union originates in the midst of life, in the simple and universal human needs.

From that moment, the debate on the idea of the EAU assumed a new tone. It accelerated the political crystallization on the choice between further disintegration and re-integration on a new basis.

Many participants in the hearings stated that the EAU project offers a chance for entering the 21st century in a civilized manner, and that it reflects the objective logic of development of the post-Soviet space and the consciously realized objective need for the development of integration processes.

In this way the initiative of forming the Eurasian Union was gaining momentum. The number of its adherents increased at scholarly events, in government offices, and in the diplomatic circles. An understanding and sincere approval of the EAU project was expressed, among others.

The proposals contained in the EAU project - to intro­duce unified visa procedures, to guarantee the freedom of movement, to make the ruble the settlement unit, to create a unified system of defense, parliament, legislation, and an executive com­mittee as an interstate organ - were at first guardedly received by some public figures. However, the numbers of adherents of inte­gration are growing. Clearly, their approaches to the problem differ, but their desire for integration remains strong.

On the question of the main principles of the EAU project, it must be stressed that the EAU is a union of equal, indepen­dent states aimed at the realization of the national interests of each member state and of the available integration potential. The EAU is a form of integration of sovereign states with the aim of consolidating stability and security and socioeconomic modernization in the post-Soviet space. Economic interests determine the foundations of the rapprochement among the independent states. The political institutions of the EAU must adequately reflect these interests and facilitate economic inte­gration.

The following principles and mechanism of formation of the Eurasian Union are proposed:

— National referendums or decisions of parliaments on the entry of states in the EAU;

— The signing by member states of a treaty on the setting up of the EAU on the basis of the principles of equality, noninterference in the affairs of each other, respect for sover­eignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of state borders. The treaty must lay the legal and organizational foundations for deeper integration, with the formation of an economic, cur­rency, and political union as its goal;

— No associated membership is permitted in the EAU;

— Decisions are carried in the EAU by the qualified ma­jority of four-fifths (4/5) of the overall number of member countries.

Independent states join the EAU, if the following pre­liminary conditions are satisfied:

— Mandatory compliance with endorsed inter-state agree­ments;

— Mutual recognition of the existing political institutions of the EAU member countries;

— Recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders;

— Rejection of economic, political, and other forms of pressure in inter-state relations;

— Cessation of hostilities among member countries.

New members enter the EAU after an expert evaluation is passed on their readiness to enter the EAU and all EAU members vote unanimously on it. An organ formed on parity terms by the states, which expressed their readiness to become EAU members, proposes expert evaluations.

EAU states may take part in other integrative alliances, including the CIS, on the basis of associated or permanent membership or in the role of an observer.

Every member can leave the EAU, giving notice not later than six months before the decision is made.

It is suggested to form the following supranational bodies:

Ðåôåðàò îïóáëèêîâàí: 18/07/2008