Article "Fate and Prospects of the OSCE" by N. Nazarbayev reflects strategic landscape of Eurasian space - EUCAM Co-Chair M. Emerson

In the expert's opinion, it's impossible to comment on all the issues raised in the article at once. Thus, he decided to touch upon several topics of the Nazarbayev's article. "The article highlights the importance of the "spirit" and "brand" of the Helsinki Process, which is based on ten principles of the Helsinki Final Act as of 1975. Those principles are not obsolete. They provide an opportunity to cover comprehensive philosophy of security, including "hard" security standards, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms", M. Emerson thinks.

He emphasizes that the comprehensive security concept should always exist, particularly within the framework of the Corfu Process. The European Security Treaty could be directed to activation of the OSCE, but without establishment of new contractual institutes, which in any case would retain the essence of the Helsinki principles. Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the organization can help provide it.

As for the issue of the universal civilization called in the article an archaic utopia, Mr. Emerson considers: "Various social systems, cultures and religions with the values of Western civilization deserve respect in other regions, and vice versa. Here appears one of the most sensitive issues, since harmonious world order should be based on certain universal norms, rules and principles. Otherwise, the anarchic chaos and dangerous historical experience of past centuries will reign in the world."

Concerning the Afghanistan problematic, M. Emerson says that the OSCE must find its niche in Afghanistan. The fact that Kazakhstan decided to teach a thousand of afghan citizens in its educational institutions is an impressive and generous step, the Chairman of the Center for European Policy Studies (CEPS) believes.

"The author of the article pays special attention to the huge potential of Kazakhstan as a transport link between Asia and Europe. The Eurasian map shows that one third of the shortest route from Berlin to Beijing runs through the territory of Kazakhstan", M.Emerson notes. According to him, investments to "West Europe - West China" Transport Corridor would accelerate opening of highways and railway routes.

"To date there exist few strategic transport corridors laid from the east of the EU to western China. The OSCE chairmanship is able to hold a range of working sessions of its economic structures to discuss this and other main potential economic projects, covering different regions of the Eurasia space", M.Emerson resumes.