Georgia Has Veto Power Over Step in Closer U.S.-Russia Ties - NYTimes.com - 0 views
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MOSCOW — When Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. sits down with Russia’s leaders later this week, a central topic will be the payoffs of the “reset” between Russia and the United States, among them Russia’s long-awaited accession to the World Trade Organization, which American officials have vigorously supported. But it is far too early to declare that project a success. Among the remaining sticking points is the fact that Georgia, which joined the trade group in 2000, has the power to block the admission of any new member.
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For a decade, while grievances mounted between Russia and Georgia, the Georgian government has sought policy changes from Russia in exchange for its approval. Negotiations foundered in 2008, and a few months later, when war broke out over the separatist territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, further talks began to look like a lost cause.
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On Monday, with the 17-year process of Russia’s entry nearing its endgame, Georgian officials confirmed that they would sit down with their Russian counterparts in Switzerland, which “has been mandated to act as a mediator between both countries,” said a spokeswoman for the Swiss Foreign Ministry
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Barry, Ellen. "Georgia Poses Hurdle for U.S.-Russia Ties." The New York Times 7 Mar. 2011 [Moscow] . Web. 8 Mar. 2011. . Summary: The issue facing russia and the World Trade Organization, is the fact that Georgia is already a member. With Russia wanting to join the W.T.O., Georgia has the power to deny Russia's passage into the organization. Georgia is trying to use this as leverage to make deals with russia so it can get peace and get the russian troops out of it's borders. The rest of the World Trade Organization views this as annoying but expects it to be solved and done with. Reflections: The fact that Georgia is using this as leverage is great. If I was in control of America I would also block Russia from joining in. I probably would not give up my denial of Russia until I got recognition of Georgia as a NATO member, a country that owns itself, and get protection from attacks from Russia. I also would think that the rest of the world, just like me, would see this stupid, unneeded, bloody conflict as completely one sided. Questions: 1. What do you think Georgia should negotiate for? 2. Do you think it is fair to Russia to be denied by a country they oppress? 3. Do you think America should support them? Explain? 4. Do you think georgia should be completely supported by America and its allies.? Why or why not?