Russia threatens Georgia with “defensive measures” if AA impacts trade

Russia will take defensive measures against Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, if the Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU) has negative consequences on the free trade zone of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a special announcement today saying steps would be taken in accordance with laws of the World Trade Organization, if the trade agreement negatively affects CIS free trade zone.

"As soon as the AA comes come into force, we will analyze whether it adversely affects the CIS free trade zone [and if it does] Russia will take defensive steps on those conditions, on which we have joined the World Trade Organization (WTO),” he said.

Lavrov noted the Russian side was ready for any kind of consultation and called on parties to negotiate, if necessary.

"Not only are we ready but we call on for negotiations. In a telephone conversation [European Commssion President Jose Manuel] Barroso promised our President that consultations would definitely be held before the Summit, but nothing has happened yet,” he said.

Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine will sign the Association Agreement with the EU tomorrow.

Georgia has left CIS on August 18, 2009.