Sergey Kapanadze, head of the Georgian delegation for Russian WTO membership talks, said that a document proposed by Switzerland to resolve Russia’s joining the WTO will be signed on November 10, Interfax reports.
The official clarified that there is no information on principle approval of the document by Moscow. He headed to Geneva to clarify information on the document. International observers will monitor three trade corridors and electronic information exchange. The trade corridors start at Psou River to Zugdidi City, from Roksky Tunnel to Gori City and at the Verkhny Lars – Kazbegi control post.
Petr Mamradze, spokesman of the Movement for Fair Georgia, told Vestnik Kavkaza that Georgia was pressurized by Western states, although improvement of trade ties with Russia is beneficial for Georgia. Saakashvili’s position on the WTO is counter-productive. US President Barack Obama promised in 2010 to help it join the WTO this year. European states are also interested.
Kakha Kukava, leader of the Free Georgia Party, noted that Russia’s membership in the WTO was mainly resolved by Russia and the USA. Georgia was asked to permit Russia to join. The decision does not have any essential effect on Georgia. Kukava noted great benefits Georgia gets from Russia joining the organization. Barriers, adopted in 2006, will be lifted on Georgian products. It will benefit the population of Georgia. Over 50% of the Georgian population depends on the Russian market. First of all its sales of alcohol, citrus, tea, fruits and other products.
