Russian expert: CIS is rather paradoxical organization

Day.Az: The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) marked its 18th anniversary on Dec. 21. How is the CIS viable after almost two decades of existence?

Sergey Markedonov: I think the CIS is rather paradoxical organization. On the one hand, it is expected to make integration-elated achievements. On the other hand, the CIS has long been called "nostalgic club.” Previously, the CIS was called an organization dealing with "civilized divorce" of republics that were part of a country called the Soviet Union. It is clear that the "divorce" does not imply integration, and a civilized form of "divorce" is needed to ensure that its process will not evolve into a fight. Exactly such a paradoxical nature of the CIS which emerged from its inception has not changed for all 18 years of its existence.

During these years, each of the CIS member states identified its priorities and built their state policies while being member of various other organizations. For example, GUAM was established including Azerbaijan. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, regional international organization, was also set up which includes also China along with several former Soviet republics. .

What positive and negative actions were made within the CIS for the last 18 years?

One cannot assess 18 years of existence of the CIS with clearly negative or positive viewpoint. Because, Soviet-style diplomas were recognized throughout the CIS and there was a common tariff policy till 2005. These aspects greatly helped the former Soviet republics that became independent without losing all the ties that had developed over the years of their life together in the Soviet Union.

On the other hand, except the formula of "civilized divorce" of the former USSR republics, the CIS did not offer anything fundamentally new.

May a new establishment of former CIS republics be set up that will lead to integration of these states?

It is impossible to establish the USSR without ideology of communism. Similarly, it is impossible to imagine a vegetarian eating meat. But it is quite possible to create effective integration projects of interest involving the former Soviet Union. For example, the Customs Union with the participation of these republics could be an interesting idea.

A. Hasanov