ABSTRACT
To initiate discussion of the reports, the author notes that all negotiations start by taking stock of divergences. These reports raise four questions. The first question relates to the dialectic of the unilateral and the multilateral, to use Karpov’s phrase. The second question has to do with the issue of data in the future negotiations. The third ambiguity that needs to be clarified relates to the role of nuclear weapons in relation to the imbalance in conventional forces. The fourth ambiguity should truly be at the center of our discussions. The agreed objective of the negotiations on Conventional Armed Forces Europe (CAFE) is to strengthen stability and security in Europe. This objective is to be realized through reduction of forces. The negotiations on confidence- and security-building measures and CAFE should thus interrelate for the purpose of mutual improvement and early and tangible results.
