Ukraine and Georgia are unlikely to be able to block Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), head of the European Commission's Moscow office Mark Franco said during a news conference at the Interfax central office on Tuesday.

Ukraine and Georgia are WTO members, and, in theory, they could block Russia's entry into this organization, he said.

However, Franco said he does not think that such a threat really exists.

Such a situation has never taken place in the WTO's history, the official said, adding he is convinced that if the United States, Europe and other countries wholeheartedly support accession to the WTO by a major economy like Russia, neither Ukraine nor Georgia will be able to hamper this process.

Commenting on WTO-related contacts between Russia and the EU, Franco said that until recently, the main problem was Russia's intention to once again increase timber export duties, which would have made a number of Finnish and Swedish companies bankrupt. But the Russian government has decided to put on hold the measure for the period of nine to 12 months, which allows the EU to formulate meaningful solutions, he said.

Some "false" problems exist between Russia and the EU, the diplomat said, adding that, among other issues, he is referring to trans-Siberian flights. A political decision on the matter has been taken, he said.

Certain questions also remain over Russia's use of regulation standards in food safety control issues, Franco said.

KyivPost