~ Country Performance Assesments ~
Objective 1: Achieving Permanence of the Denver formula for Russian
Participation
As Russia has been given an advanced role in
what
was formerly referred to as the G7, Russia will wish to cement their role in the
Summit of the Eight, seeking language in the communiqué that will confirm
the permanence of the higher degree of participation seen at Denver.
Grade: A
Analysis:
As the full integration of Russia into the global economic community is a priority for
US President Bill Clinton, this year's Summit host, Russia participation was given
top-billing and every effort was made to increase Russia's relevance to the Summit
process. An affirmation of Russia's continuing participation at the level of the Eight
formula was reiterated in the communiqué: We are committed to
continue the trend of increased Russian participation in the work of our officials
between Summits and reiterate our shared commitment to the promotion of a fuller
involvement of Russia in the Summit process.” More notably, Russia's
greatest opponent for advanced participation, Japan, has given their assent to a
continuation of the Summit of the Eight format. Some say that Japan's support for
the Denver formula has been exchanged for Russia's support for Japanese permanent
membership on the UN Security Council.
Objective 2: Advanced Participation in the Economic Segment of
the
Summit
Russia will seek to advance their participation further
into the economic
segment of the Summit and Summit processes, as is consistent with their long-term
goal of attaining full and equal status in all areas of the G7/G8.
Grade: A
Analysis:
Events at the Denver Summit have strongly indicated a push on behalf of Summit
members for an even greater level of Russian participation in Economic discussions.
One of the more important indicators of this phenomenon was the unscheduled
working lunch between Russian Finance Minister Anatoly Chubais and the Seven
Finance Ministers. Chubais commented in a briefing that this luncheon and the
unofficial discussions following were very important to the advancement of Russian
participation in the G7 economic agenda. In addition, President Bill Clinton in his
final press conference at Denver alluded to the intent of the Seven to gradually
increase Russia's role in the traditional economic discussions.
Objective 3: Paris Club Membership
Russia will look for
the
Summit's
approval of their membership bid to the Paris Club as a creditor nation. Viewing the
Paris Club as an essential step towards their recovery of debts owed to the former-
Soviet Union, Russia places a high priority on membership and will wish the support
of their fellow Summit members towards this end.
Grade: A
Analysis:
Russia achieved membership to the Paris Club while at the Denver Summit. This
occurrence was noted in the communiqué with appreciation: “We
welcome the understanding reached between Russia and the Chairman of the Paris
Club on the basis of Russia's participation and look forward to the Paris Club and
Russia finalizing an agreement in the near future.”
Objective 4: OECD Membership and Fast-track Membership to
the
WTO
Along with membership to the Paris Club, Russia is
currently seeking
membership to the OECD as well as fast-track membership to the WTO. It is
important to Russia that the communiqué language support these
endeavours.
Grade: A
Analysis:
Russia fully achieved their objective in this area and their efforts toward these two
goals were acclaimed by the Denver communiqué: “We support the
goal of early Russian accession to the WTO on the basis of conditions generally
applicable to newly acceding members. We also look forward to continued Russian
progress towards accession to the OECD using the potential of the recently created
Liaison Committee between Russia and the OECD.”
Contributors:Gina Stephens and Viktoria Wosk
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