Vestnik Kavkaza reported earlier on Friday that Georgia will not
prevent Russia joining the World Trade Organization. According to
media reports, Georgia will continue striving for the withdrawal of
Russian forces from Abkhazia and South Ossetia without linking this to
Russia's bid to join the WTO. This declaration by the Georgian premier
led to conclusions that Georgia would not create obstacles for Russia
to join the WTO, Georgia Online reports.
In an interview with Associated Press, the Georgian premier gave the
clear position that Georgia will not support Russia in joining the
WTO, unless Moscow allows Georgian customs officers to operate in
Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Premier Gilauri's declaration does not contradict his interview with
the Associated Press. Georgia has never related Russia's membership in
WTO to a withdrawal of forces. Georgia has always been pointing out
the economic aspect of the issue - that is Georgian customs control on
Georgian borders, in particular the borders on rivers Psou and Rok
tunnel.
