Russia's 'Ambiguous' Caucasus Policy Worries Georgia .

ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPE

Georgia continues to try and find a common language with Russia after relations between the two countries became strained because of the crises in Georgia's Abkhazia, Adzharia, and South Ossetia; however, Tbilisi is concerned that Moscow does not have a clear policy for the Southern Caucasus.

International Abkhazia Initiative Group President David Cabaridze spoke to Zaman about the situation. "Russia does not have a clear policy in the Southern Caucasus. Is stability or instability needed there? On one side, they say they support the territorial integrity of Georgia. On the other side they support the separatist movements against Georgia."

Cabaridze, who is also a Russian citizen, claims that there is no clear attitude among the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russian Defense Ministry and intelligence institutions. "We never know with whom we will sit and speak. The Russian President calls it a 'usual' thing; however, the others act differently. It is impossible to reach a consensus."

Cabaridze indicated that even though Russia's ambiguous policies pushed Georgia closer to the West, a stable Georgia is one of Russia's objectives. According to Cabaridze, a stable Georgia would allow Russia to establish a railway link to its ally Armenia. A stable Georgia would also serve as an example for the rest of the Caucasus.

Cabaridze pointed out that the international community has come to Georgia's aid. "For example, the boots of our soldiers are from Turkey, and their uniforms, worth 9 million euros, are from Italy. The UK, Romania, Bulgaria, Israel and the US also help. We do not conceal this." Russian sources report that the Georgian army will be equipped with Israeli made Tavors instead of the classic Kalashnikov (AK-47).

Cabaridze explains that the problems in the region could be solved through a determined attitude of Russia. On the other side, Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains that the problems of the Caucasus could be solved through mutual concessions.





08.22.2004
Mirza Cetinkaya
Moskow

zaman.com