DISINFO: The West is trying to sow discord in the Commonwealth of Independent States
SUMMARY
It is impossible not to see that in recent years blatant interference from the outside in the internal political processes of the sovereign member states of the Commonwealth, including elections, is getting more intense. These actions of certain Western circles should be regarded as attempts to sow discord in the Commonwealth of Independent States.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about belligerent West trying to encircle Russia, to separate post-Soviet (CIS) countries and isolate Russia.
The relations of the West and CIS countries are based on mutual consent, bilateral interests and benefits. Moreover, they are not directed against third parties. For example, the Eastern Partnership (EaP) is a joint policy initiative that aims to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union (EU) and its six Eastern neighbours, including four CIS member states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, as well as with Ukraine and Georgia.
The Eastern Partnership initiative is not against any country; it is a mutually beneficial and constructive platform for countries in the region to build a closer relationship with the EU if they choose to do so. The EU does not demand any of its partners to make a choice between the EU or any other country.
The EU recognises the strategic importance of Central Asia, which links the huge Asian continent with Europe. As the EU is working to make relations with Central Asia stronger and deeper, the European Union’s engagement with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has developed significantly since the countries' independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The EU does not impose any action or programme on the partner countries. The overall aim of the cooperation is to build a common area of shared democracy, prosperity and stability in line with each individual country's aspirations and wishes. Involvement in the EU initiatives does not exclude membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, CIS or CSTO. The EU is a supporter of regional integration in all areas of the world.