Burjanadze Slams Russia, Tajikistan over Wine Dispute

Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze said on April 11 that Russian officials refuse to hold talks with the Georgian side to clarify the situation surrounding Russia’s ban on imports of Georgian wine. She also criticized Tajikistan for offering to replace Georgian wines on the Russian market with its own.

Burjanadze said that Russia’s decision to ban imports of Georgian wines is “politically-motivated.”

“Despite our efforts to hold talks on a high level, the Georgian Agriculture Minister was even refused a meeting by his Russian counterpart. Talks are really very important, because if it [Russia’s decision] is really about the fight against falsified wine, it is very important for us to be involved in this fight… But if it is not about the fight against falsified wine, then it becomes clear why the Russian Agriculture Minister refused to hold talks with his Georgian counterpart,” Burjanadze said while speaking at the parliamentary session.

She also said that she has not managed to hold a dialogue with the Russian parliamentarians on the issue.

Burjanadze said that Russia’s decisions might lead Georgia to reconsider its position over membership in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

“We have spoken many times about whether we should be members of the CIS or not, and economic aspects have always been major arguments in favor of our CIS membership. We still adhere to this position, but at the same time we ask one very serious question: if we are the only CIS country, with whom Russia has visa requirements; if we are the only country from whence imports of wine, citruses, tea and maybe tomorrow Borjomi [mineral water] are banned, then why should we remain in this organization?” Burjanadze said.

She said that Tajikistan’s recent announcement about its readiness to replace Georgian wines with its own on the Russian market was “improper.”

“I understand that every state is trying to advance its own interests, but I think it is improper to do this at the expense of others’ interests. I am not a good specialist of wines, so I have heard nothing about the merits of Tajik wine. Like Georgia, Tajikistan is CIS member state and instead of determining the real reasons [behind Russia’s ban on import of Georgian wine], they spare no efforts to replace the Georgian wines,” Burjanadze said.

“I want to call on our partners in the CIS: if you really think that this organization should continue functioning, you should take interest in the situation regarding Georgian wine,” she added.