Georgian analysts treat Garibashvili's call for dialogue with Russia as blackmail of the West

By means of the statement by Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, about the need for progress in relations with Russia, Georgian authorities are trying to make it clear to the West that they are independent in shaping their politics. But in reality, Georgia has no discussion topics with Russia, except for the issue of returning the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Georgian analysts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe.

Irakli Garibashvili, the Georgian Premier, has stated that there is no progress in relations with Russia, and did not rule out official negotiations of two countries' authorities, the "News-Georgia" News Agency reported on November 24.

The interests of Russia and Georgia are diametrical and it will be very difficult to achieve any initial mutual understanding, said Kakha Gogolashvili, an analyst with the Georgian Fund for Strategic and International Studies.

Russia is deliberately putting Georgia in such a situation that it recognizes the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which makes it possible to permanently use the regions for placing Russian military bases. However, even in the event of reconciliation and reunification of both parties, Georgia will not allow Russia to keep its military bases in these territories, Mr Gogolashvili has added. "If it is impossible to reach some tactical solutions at the Geneva talks, then what is the point of holding meetings at the level of the Prime Minister?" the expert has asked.

The Irakli Garibashvili's initiative to negotiate with Russia is "a blackmail of Western partners," as Georgian authorities have no intent to be told what to do and how to act, said Mamuka Zhgenti, an employee of the Georgia's Institute for European Values.

Irakli Menagarishvili, an analyst at the Georgian Fund for Strategic and International Studies, has stated that there is no need for any Georgian-Russian talks. "In the issue of 2008, there are no changes in Russia's position, and this indicates its weakness, since it is not ready to recognize even the realities of our relations after 2008. In this situation, it is difficult to imagine what to talk about," Mr Menagarishvili told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 27, 2021 at 09:32 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.