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Alexander Gusev, the head of the Center of Strategic Development of the CIS Countries under the RAS Institute of Europe
I think the Ukrainian chairmanship of the CIS is a significant event.
In the context of the political situation which was formed in Ukraine,
in the context of the political situation which was formed in relations between Ukraine and the EU,
I mean rejection of signing the association agreement with the EU in Vilnius.
2014 will be a landmark for Ukraine and the CIS in general.
The way Ukraine will gradually intensify its involvement in the CIS
will influence the further development of not only the Commonwealth,
but also the integration processes in the post-Soviet space in general.
Ukraine should be a driver of integration processes in the post-Soviet space.
Of course such an international organization as the CISÖ
By the way many people think it has lost its importance (it was established to destroy the Soviet Union).
But I think the CIS potential is not exhausted, and we can achieve serious preferences,
from the point of view of presenting the Commonwealth as a major international organization
which has political, economic, social, and humanitarian goals,
as well as from the point of view of presenting our separate countries
ñ Russia, Ukraine, and the other nine states (today there are 11 countries in the CIS).
I think we have vast capacities.
Ukraine developed a concept.
Each state which heads the CIS presents a concept of its chairmanship to the society.
After studying the concept of Ukrainian chairmanship of the CIS,
I concluded that the economic component is very important for Ukraine,
especially in the sphere of oil, gas, machinery, professional equipment;
about 50% of components and production prime costs ñ these are Russian investments, Russian money.
We understand clearly why the turn toward Russia took place and what was most important in the turn.
For two years Ukraine has prepared to become an associate member of the European Union.
If the association agreement had been signed, we would definitely have lost Ukraine,
from the point of view of integration processes and integration development in the post-Soviet space.
I think the turn is very important both politically and economically.
I donít mention the social, spiritual, cultural, sporting spheres.
We are tightly connected, we are brotherly nations, not only neighbors.
We have a common mentality and spirit.
I welcome Ukraineís turn toward the CIS and Russia.
And I have many opinion allies in Russia, Ukraine, and other CIS states.