"The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is an international organisation comprised of 12 sovereign states of former-Soviet Union. The genesis of the CIS dates back to 8 December 1991, thus 2001 heralded the tenth anniversary of this sui generis organisation. Although a decade elapsed, one would tentatively argue that the CIS is far from being a solidified structure whereby to further the interests of member states." (Quoted from "Abstract")