Georgia, Tbilisi, Dec. 27 / Trend N. Kirtskhalia /
Russia's accession into the World Trade Organization at the expense of Georgia's interest is not going to happen, Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze said at the final press conference of the year today. According to him, Georgia's position regarding Russia's accession into the WTO remains unchanged.
"Russia will not join the WTO either at the expense of Georgia's interests, or violating the organization's charter," he said.
According to Vashadze, talking about the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia will be possible only after the removal of Russian forces from Georgian territories.
"I can teach Russian diplomats how to achieve this in the shortest period of time. This is possible only if they carry out de-occupation of the Georgian territories," Foreign Minister said.
Talks on Russia's accession into the WTO have already been underway for 17 years, whereas the average negotiations on new countries' accession into the organization last about five years. Russian officials have repeatedly stated that they expect the country's accession into the WTO by late 2011.
Supporters of Russia's accession into the WTO believe that membership would help the country each year to add one percent to its GDP, while the opponents are concerned that this will seriously damage Russia's industry as cheaper foreign goods would start pouring into the Russian market.
WTO is an international organization created for the purpose of liberalization of international trade and regulation of trade and political relations between member states. It includes more than 150 countries.