Possibility of implementing the bilateral Russian-Georgian agreement on customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods signed in November 2011 has again become widely discussed in media recently.

Practical steps, aimed at implementing the agreement, which stipulates opening of additional transport corridors between the Russian Federation and Georgia, were discussed by the states in a bilateral format. In accordance with Annex 1 to the Agreement one of these transit corridors is expected to run through the customs territory of the Republic of South Ossetia.

It should be noted that the Republic of South Ossetia, not being a party to this bilateral agreement, bears no obligations that would allow functioning of a transit transport corridor between other countries, which hypothetically will run across its sovereign territory.

The possibility of practical implementation of provisions of this agreement, which affects the interests of South Ossetia in spheres of economy, security and environment, depends on the results of direct negotiations of the regional actors, interested in opening of the transport corridor, with the official authorities of the Republic of South Ossetia and on the formation of a corresponding legal framework for further equal cooperation in this project.

Other ways, including attempts to exert political or economic pressure, aimed at resolution of this issue are doomed to failure.