After the 2008 conflict, Russian talks with Georgian on the subject of Russia’s entrance to WTO didn’t have any results: Moscow refused to allow international observers to its borders with Abkhazia and South Ossetia – a model used in Transnistria. Observers could replace Georgian customs and save the republics from isolation at the same time, but after the events of 2008 and recognition of the republics’ independence by Russia this prospect is becoming less and less realistic. Georgian side, however, refuses to recognize Russian claims for WTO membership as long as the border relations between Russia, Georgia and breakaway territories are legally resolved.
However, Moscow manages to make Tbilisi work out new ways and options while Kremlin itself refuses all new ideas and proposes nothing instead. A year ago, after Saakashvili’s meetings with Obama and Merkel, Georgia agreed to allow EU observers instead of its own on the border, but Russia didn’t agree even to that. On the other hand, Saakashvili is not intent to make any concessions in the most important issue – the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Ex-FM of Georgia Irakly Menagashvili and independent economic expert Geogy Huhasvili told VK correspondent about the history and prospects of Russian-Georgian WTO negotiations.
Irakly Menagashvili: The problem appeared in 1999, when Georgia entered WTO. Back then, Russia regarded this fact with scorn as our relations were not as spoiled as they are now. Then the issue was dropped for the time being: Moscow thought that the USA are so eager to ‘reload’ US-Russian relations that they will make Georgia agree to Russia’s entrance to WTO by themselves.
I think it’s good that the talks have been restarted. But the fact that Russia recognizes South Ossetia and Abkhazia as sovereign stats complicates the matter. It will take a long time to settle. In the big picture it is within Georgia’s best interests for Russia to integrate into international organizations, but Russia has to think of some concessions it is ready to make to Georgia.
- Is Georgia’s uncompromising position regarding WTO and South Ossetia and Abkhazia justified?
- As I said, it’s in the best interests of Georgia to let Russia enter international organizations like WTO. If Russia would act under WTO regulations it could become a good trade partner for Georgia. But for now it is impossible as Russia abused Georgia’s territorial integrity and without distinct borders there can be no trade.
- Could Georgia agree to Russia’s entrance to WTO if Russia reopens its market for Georgian goods like wine, Bordjomi?
- I know Gennadi Onishenko (the Chief Sanitary Inspector of Russia) personally and I asure you that the embargo is not his fault. The decision was made on a higher level and the products’ quality had nothing to do with it.
Yes, I think that the WTO issue can play its part here, but I’m not 100%. It is unknown whether Russia will respect WTO rules.
Geogy Huhasvili: I think the issue is a bit overrated. Yes, Russia’s membership in WTO is important – for the whole world as well as for Russia itself, but it is not important enough to become a means of solving all Georgian problems with Russia.
- But Russian officials say that entering WTO is one of their priorities.
- Yes, but relations with Russia’s allies are even more important. Russia can’t betray its promises to Ossetia nad Abkhazia for WTO membership. It’s more likely that the West will force the issue with Georgia.
Transnistrian situation is not the same. Russia has already recognized the republics and won’t withdraw this decision. So Georgia should ask for more realistic concessions, such as opening Russian market for its products. If Georgia continues to stand its ground, further negotiations are purposeless.
Interview by Georgy kaltozishvili, exclusively to VK.
