This status does not suppose participation in the taking of decisions or in the discussion. At the same time the problems discussed by the OIC touch upon Russia's interests directly - whether the talk is about the settlement of regional conflicts - the Mideast, Iraqi, Afghan, Cypriote ones, or the fight against terrorism, proliferation of WMDs, and the urge to avoid "the conflict of civilizations."
Russian has what to say on these issues, but it wouldn't like to confine itself to outlining positions; it would be more preferable to take part in the discussion and realization of specific projects. But all this goes beyond the framework of the status of a guest the Russian Federation has.
This situation cannot suit Moscow any longer. Since the moment Russian President Vladimir Putin forwarded the initiative of rapprochement with the OIC, contacts with this organization have been developing, and, in Sergei Lavrov's words, "are filled with more specific content."
Moscow's decision to activate contacts with the OIC coincided in time with the unfolding discussion inside of this organization about the necessity to reform it. The organization must become a real political force instead of remaining a discussion forum. The challenges of time demand this.
The Moslem countries do not like the West's attitude toward them - its interference with the internal affairs of this or that region, or its accusations of backwardness, or the perception of these countries as a source of threats for the entire world. OIC members are trying to rectify the situation.
Almost everyone whospoke at the session spoke about reforms. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer of Turkey, the country hosting the session, said that from now on "reforms must be the main topic of the OIC." He meant not only organizational reforms, but also political and social-economic reforms in every Moslem country.
As for the OIC reform, Turkey and some other countries have proposals on what changes to introduce in its work. In particular, the talk is about the revision of relations with the West. Should the West be regarded as a partner and not an opponent? The talk is about that OIC must elaborate a mechanism of monitoring the decisions taken.
Now Ankara has a chance to achieve the realization of its proposals. Its representative Ekmeleddin Ikhsan Ogly was elected at the session OIC Secretary General for the following four years.
The changes, despite that everyone understands them as a necessity, are not so easy for the OIC. Coordination of 57 countries' positions takes a lot of time. In particular, the election of the Secretary General lasted practically till midnight. And for the first time in OIC history, the decision was made not by consensus, as the meeting participants failed to reach it. That's why the secretary general was elected in a vote. Maybe time will come for other changes too - in particular, for Russia to receive an observer status.
Some countries backed this initiative, others didn't. Let us note that they are not against dialogue with Russia, but they don't want to give it the status of an observer.
One of the reasons for this is that, in line with the OIC Charter, only the country that will later join the OIC can be its observer. Russia does not intend to become an OIC member, and it is impossible. Moslems are not the majority in Russia, and Islam is not the state religion, which conditions membership in the OIC. So in order to give the status of observers or other statuses to Russia and other countries wishing to get them, it's necessary to change the Charter.
A special OIC commission is now working on the new wording of the observer status format. It's possible that Russia will be present at the next session of OIC foreign ministers, to take place in Yemen in 2005, in a new quality. There are no doubts about the fact that it will be present there, because rapprochement of Moscow with the Islamic world is not conditioned by the political situation, and, in Lavrov's words, "proceeds from the multifaith and multiethnic structure of our state", as well as from the role Russia tries to play on the international scene.
The Russian Foreign Minister tried to bring home this thought to his counterparts from Moslem countries. "Realizing this policy," he added, "we are ready for cooperation with the OIC in those forms which would be acceptable both to Russia and this organization's members."
Looks like Russia was heard by the Islamic world. The minister said the main thing is not the status but the way OIC member countries perceive Russia as a friend and partner.
