B&E: Keeping in mind the current scenario, do you think that Russia will ever agree for negotiations?
ZK: Georgia is ready to talk with Russia, but only under one condition – full respect of Georgian territorial integrity and sovereignty. Knowing the position of current Russian leadership, we have little hope. This is because Russian leaders, namely Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev, have expressed unwillingness to discuss, enter into a relationship and negotiate with the present Georgian leadership. This once again confers that the objective of Russian incursion to Georgia is not only meant to occupy but also reverse the political regime of our nation. Regarding the Russian military presence in the region, it does concern us and seems to be a threat. But I would say it is not only a threat for Georgia but also another attempt of Russia to show the rest of the world that they are running the show in Caucasus region. It is also a demonstration that Russia is averse to peaceful political solutions of any problem arising in the region.
B&E: Is it the reason why you wish to join NATO? And do you think NATO can help you?
ZK: Joining NATO had been a long term objective for Georgia. It is not something new. Referendums held in Georgia a few years ago demonstrated that more than 70% of the population was supporting Georgia’s aspiration to join NATO. Needless to say that becoming a member of NATO will immediately make us feel that we are a part of the large Euro-Atlantic family. And it would also make us feel safer. By the way, one more reason for Russia to wage war on us in the year 2008 was that Georgia and Ukraine were denied NATO membership because of Membership Action Plan (MAP). Russia took it as a signal that the West is not supporting Georgia any more. At least, the West will not militarily support Georgia if Russia attacks. And this is what unfortunately happened during the 2008 war. But I repeat, we never wanted to join NATO with a view of initiating any military actions to recover the territories. So, Russia perceived European countries joining NATO as their military weakness – especially members of the NATO. Till date, Georgians continue to support our endeavour to join NATO. We will eventually become a member of the NATO family. And thus, we are continuously undertaking major reforms to be compliant to meet the necessary demands of NATO. For example, Georgia participated in the peace keeping operations in Afghanistan with an extended military unit. The Day when all the members of NATO will consider Georgia ready to join, we will be given the green signal.
B&E: You cannot win a war with Russia. Do you have alternative ways to secure that 30% land?
ZK: You are absolutely correct. One has to be a fool to think that Russia can be defeated militarily by any of its neighbours. Also, 2008 war demonstrated the weaker sides, which are quite important. The alternative is very simple – peaceful, diplomatic ways. You can always achieve what you aim for. It only takes more time. For example, you saw Russia retreating from Afghanistan; you have also seen reunification of Germany. However, we are dedicated to find solutions of long term disputes peacefully in order to recover those territories.
ZK: Georgia is ready to talk with Russia, but only under one condition – full respect of Georgian territorial integrity and sovereignty. Knowing the position of current Russian leadership, we have little hope. This is because Russian leaders, namely Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev, have expressed unwillingness to discuss, enter into a relationship and negotiate with the present Georgian leadership. This once again confers that the objective of Russian incursion to Georgia is not only meant to occupy but also reverse the political regime of our nation. Regarding the Russian military presence in the region, it does concern us and seems to be a threat. But I would say it is not only a threat for Georgia but also another attempt of Russia to show the rest of the world that they are running the show in Caucasus region. It is also a demonstration that Russia is averse to peaceful political solutions of any problem arising in the region.
B&E: Is it the reason why you wish to join NATO? And do you think NATO can help you?
ZK: Joining NATO had been a long term objective for Georgia. It is not something new. Referendums held in Georgia a few years ago demonstrated that more than 70% of the population was supporting Georgia’s aspiration to join NATO. Needless to say that becoming a member of NATO will immediately make us feel that we are a part of the large Euro-Atlantic family. And it would also make us feel safer. By the way, one more reason for Russia to wage war on us in the year 2008 was that Georgia and Ukraine were denied NATO membership because of Membership Action Plan (MAP). Russia took it as a signal that the West is not supporting Georgia any more. At least, the West will not militarily support Georgia if Russia attacks. And this is what unfortunately happened during the 2008 war. But I repeat, we never wanted to join NATO with a view of initiating any military actions to recover the territories. So, Russia perceived European countries joining NATO as their military weakness – especially members of the NATO. Till date, Georgians continue to support our endeavour to join NATO. We will eventually become a member of the NATO family. And thus, we are continuously undertaking major reforms to be compliant to meet the necessary demands of NATO. For example, Georgia participated in the peace keeping operations in Afghanistan with an extended military unit. The Day when all the members of NATO will consider Georgia ready to join, we will be given the green signal.
B&E: You cannot win a war with Russia. Do you have alternative ways to secure that 30% land?
ZK: You are absolutely correct. One has to be a fool to think that Russia can be defeated militarily by any of its neighbours. Also, 2008 war demonstrated the weaker sides, which are quite important. The alternative is very simple – peaceful, diplomatic ways. You can always achieve what you aim for. It only takes more time. For example, you saw Russia retreating from Afghanistan; you have also seen reunification of Germany. However, we are dedicated to find solutions of long term disputes peacefully in order to recover those territories.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles
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