Economic Relations between Kazakhstan and Russia

states, most of which are united in the Commonwealth of Independent States,

have developed in the situation of a new political reality as equal agents

of the world order. But the process of the formation of new independent

states and open democratic social systems has just begun.

Without going into detailed critique of the CIS, let us note that all

its activities and all the bilateral and multilateral efforts of its member

states clearly show that the time has come for a more effective, deep, and

diverse integration of the countries involved - the kind of integration

that would achieve a stabilization of the situation in the economy and

ensure its development on a qualitatively new basis. This applies above all

to the economies of Kazakhstan and Russia, which might become the engines

of future integrative processes in the post-Soviet space. There are also

quite a few issues pertaining to cooperation in the military-political,

scientific-technological, humanitarian, and other spheres, which are

awaiting their solution in the framework of a more effective integration

model. The idea of the formation of the Eurasian union of states proposed

by President Nazarbayev is precisely such a model; it organically combines

both the existing realities and the objective needs of today and tomorrow.

Taking into account the differences between our countries in the

levels of development of market economy, in the democratization of

political processes, we propose to establish an additional integrative

structure, the Eurasian Union, whose activities would be combined with

those of the CIS. In doing so, the member states will take into account the

diversity of integration scenarios and differences in the rate, form, and

direction of CIS states’ development. Thus there is an urgent need for the

formation of a new economic order in the CIS.

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:

— The Council of EAU Heads of State and Heads of Government - the

highest organ of EAU political leadership. Each member state chairs the EAU

for a period of six months in rotation according to the Cyrillic alphabet.

— The highest consultative and advisory body is the EAU Parliament. The

Parliament is formed by delegating deputies of the member states'

parliaments on the basis of equal representation of each member country or

through direct elections. Decisions of the EAU Parliament come into force

after their ratification by the parliaments of the EAU states. Ratification

must be effected within the period of one month.

— The main area of the activity of the EAU Parliament is coordination

of the member countries' legislation to insure the development of a unified

economic space, protection of the social rights and interests of

individuals and of mutual respect for state sovereignty and civil rights

within EAU states.

— The EAU Parliament creates a common legal basis to regulate the relations

between the member countries' economic agents.

— The Council of EAU Foreign Ministers, to coordinate the member countries'

foreign-policy activities.

— The Inter-state Executive Committee of the EAU - an executive and

supervisory body functioning on a permanent basis. The EAU heads of state

appoints the head of the Executive Committee -a representative of the

member countries — for a period defined by the heads. The Executive

Committee's bodies are formed to include representatives of all the

countries.

The EAU as represented by its Executive Committee must receive observer

status in a number of major international organizations, such as:

— The EAU Executive Committee's Information Bureau. The member countries

must assume a special obligation or law not to permit unfriendly statements

about the treaty's member states, which may damage relations between them.

— The Council for Education, Culture, and Science. The formation of

coordinated policy on education, promotion of cultural and scientific

cooperation and exchange, and joint activity on compiling textbooks and

Страницы: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18