Kerry, Drier op-ed: A Friend To Georgia And Russia

[ProSense]

A Friend To Georgia And Russia

By John F. Kerry and David Dreier
Thursday, May 7, 2009

As the Obama administration seeks a fresh start in our strained relationship with Russia, the case for cooperation with Moscow on everything from nuclear terrorism to global finance is clear and compelling. So, too, is the case for protecting the freedom and sovereignty of the fledgling democracies on Russia's borders. We must do both.

Part of the way we can continue to support allies such as Georgia even as we do more to pursue vital national interests alongside Russia is by focusing on areas that can deliver real benefits to one side without hurting ties to the other. That's why we believe we should sign a free-trade agreement with Georgia and why we plan to introduce a resolution to this end today.

While some mistakenly view constructive relations with these two countries as mutually exclusive, we see no inherent contradiction in offering Russia a fresh start while maintaining our commitment to ensuring that its neighbors have the right to choose their own destinies. Yes, sometimes Russia and its neighbors see the world in zero-sum terms -- and sometimes their interests collide violently, as when Russian tanks rolled into Georgia last August. But we need not define our relationships with these countries the same way.

Georgia, as the scene of recent tensions, is an important place to find better approaches. It is suffering from the economic impact of two catastrophes: Soon after Russian missiles stopped falling last summer, Georgia was hit by the global economic crisis. It is vital that we help Georgia weather the economic crisis -- and doing so should not be threatening to Russia. In the past year we have largely fulfilled our pledge of $1 billion in postwar reconstruction aid to Georgia, but in the long term, increased trade and foreign direct investment would have far greater and more sustainable benefits. In the year before the war, trade between the United States and Georgia amounted to $580 million -- a total with significant room to grow.

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[leftstreet]

1. Free-trade agreement: "mineral water, fruits, vegetables and wine"

snip

Today's standoff hurts both nations. Even two years before the conflict last summer, Russia severed transportation links and blockaded Georgian exports of mineral water, fruits, vegetables and wine. It would be a positive step if Russia removed these restrictions. It is notable that despite the rising tensions before last summer's war, the Georgian government had accepted Russian investment in Georgia, even in its infrastructure, an area in which other countries are often reluctant to allow even their friendliest neighbors to invest. Russian and Western investment should ultimately co-exist in the healthy atmosphere of a democratic Georgia whose sovereignty is respected.

Hmmm...

[ProSense]

2. It wasn't necessary to conflate the two.

Georgia has trading partners in the region and they export other products.

[leftstreet]

6. They're introducing legislation in the US, not Russia

That's why we believe we should sign a free-trade agreement with Georgia and why we plan to introduce a resolution to this end today.

That's what the article is all about.

[karynnj]

8. But as she said these are not their only products

Not to mention, what is the problem if these things were imported. I doubt Russian wine will displace much California wine.

[karynnj]

3. Why do you have a problem with this?

It would be good to for Russia and Georgia to have normal economic relations. In fact, I would bet if that were the case Russia might buy some of that fruit and vegetables - Georgia may grow things Russia doesn't. I have no idea of the quality of their wine or mineral water. (I've seen interesting recipes for Georgian food)

More importantly, I really like the approach which is the same seeking of win/win or at least win/neutral seeking common ground policy that Kerry has shown in speeches on Israel/Palestine and Pakistan as well. As much as anything that seems to be Kerry's approach to any dispute or problem - and I, for one, like it.

[leftstreet]

4. Then let Russia and Georgia sign a free-trade agreement

I agree with you.

[rockymountaindem]

5. The perception of Georgian wine, as I understand it, is very high in Russia

it was the only wine producing region of the USSR, so they had high status in that sense.

[karynnj]

7. I think I drank it then - as we had Russian wines in a Chicago

and a couple NYC Russian restaurants. If so they were sweeter than most non-dessert wines, but good - though I know little of wines.