Paris, July 8, 2015 – In the hope of preventing a new Cold War, despite the problems which occured in the course of the information war waged against Russia, and notwithstanding the state of mind it forms among the political elite, the Valdai Discussion Club is doing its best to "provide the opportunity for discussion of all issues, because it is the only way to overcome prejudice and give authentic information," as clarified by Mr. Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for the Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club, at a session of the National Assembly of France in Paris.
Today, the Valdai Discussion Club has the status of a non-commercial non-governmental organization financed by large Russian companies and banks. According to Mr. Bystritsky, the Club "solves not only political issues but also public, scientific and economic problems in such spheres as ecology, transportation, telecommunications or biotechnologies…" It is impossible to "solve all problems", but a lot can be done in collaboration with the international community, including Russia, - believes Claude Goasguen, member of parliament and Mayor of the 16th arrondissement of Paris, who was invited to the session.
Speaking at a meeting with dozens of French lawmakers, businessmen, lawyers and journalists, Mr. Bystritsky reminded that the latest discussions of the Club in 2014 concerned "War and Peace" problems and a new world governance. What is the "norm", is it war or peace? Is peace only a short break, a temporary ceasefire? Which contemporary world institutions can guarantee compliance with rules capable of fostering globalization uniting countries and territories, while certain tendencies push the world toward partition? The fear of uncontrollable situation that may occur as a result is one of the elements encouraging governments to consolidate.
In the words of Mr. Bystritsky, the ideological and military domination of the West that emerged following the end of the Cold War, has failed to make the world more governable. Paradoxically, generalizing the market economy and democratic values has entailed more divergence and dispersion than the much-anticipated consolidation.
He clarified that the prestige of the Club, which consists of sixty permanent experts and about two hundred specialists engaged in different sectors, depends on the quality of its members, not on its status. "It is an international platform, albeit with a Russian flavor, with Russian tincture", attracting Russian and international leaders, because it is an opportunity for them to conduct a direct discussion with economists, politicians and scientists.
As for Russian leaders, "the absolute and the only priority [for them] is development". The Club offers them an opportunity to confirm Russia's desire to take part in international discussions of universal problems, such as the world order or climate, for instance. The participation of numerous high-ranking officials from other countries speaks volumes for the importance of the problems touched upon. According to Mr. Bystritsky, the Club's mission is also to cooperate with various "smart minds" all over the world.
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