The European Union will meet in emergency session on Monday to discuss its response to the Russia-Georgia conflict. The meeting was supposed to be about deploying EU observers to monitor Russia’s compliance with the ceasefire agreement negotiated by Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president. But Russia’s diplomatic recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia has created a crisis. Not only does recognition violate the agreement, which called for international mediation to resolve Georgia’s conflict with its breakaway territories. Russia’s violation of its ceasefire obligations also throws into question the basis of its relations with the west.
The US and Europe must make clear to Russia that it has crossed a red line in recognising these territories. Russia cannot be allowed to abuse international law by invading its neighbour and carving up Georgia’s territory. Lest Russia interpret inaction as a green light to expand its neo-imperialist agenda, the west must provide a strong, consistent and coherent response. If Russia does not fulfil its commitments in the ceasefire and rescind recognition, the US should lead efforts to suspend Russia’s participation in the Group of Eight leading industrialised nations and its applications for membership of the World Trade Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The EU can act by suspending talks with Russia on a partnership and co-operation agreement and the visa facilitation regime for Russian passport holders. Sanctions on Russian companies investing in Abkhazia and South Ossetia could be considered.
