Press Digest 07.01.2015
Why was Interagency Council on Foreign Policy founded in Georgia?
“Georgia had better fear Turkey’s territorial claims”
After Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, Georgians began to remember the Karsi Deal and it has become a point of hot discussions since then. Experts actively cast light on some threats we could face in the future.
What can the Karsi Deal bring to us and why did this issue reemerge recently? Former deputy Aleko Shalamberidze answered these questions for us,”- reports the Akhali Taoba newspaper.
“The Karsi Deal sparked countrywide discussions as early as in 1992, when the Turkey - Georgia agreement was sewn up. As the agreement between the two states says, under the Kharsi Deal, borders between the two states are established. This is the only context in which the Karsi deal is mentioned in the agreement.
A massive public backlash was triggered in Georgia after Ukraine was thrown into disarray and Russia annexed Crimea. Personally I see nothing worth kicking up a fuss about today; I studied this issue thoroughly and I can say for certain that we’d better get a grip and not panic,” - states Aleko Shalamberidze.
Still, we should keep in mind that Russia and Turkey are allies, have amicable relations and this can create additional problems for us.
NATO membership does not in any way hinder Turkey from having amicable relations with Russia. We’d better follow the Turkish authorities’ lead and avoid being radically pro-Russian or pro-European. We’d better forget these labels once and for all.
By the way, how could we have focused all our attention on Russia and deflected our gaze from Iran that also has its interests in the region?
Unfortunately, today, when tensions are running high and the situation across the world is immensely turbulent, Georgia is ruled by a man with no political savvy or experience,”- announces Mr. Shalamberidze.
One fine day, Turkey may pose danger for us. We must bear in mind that our most dangerous foes are our own neighbors. How can we be at ease when we have not even established borders with Turkey? The same can be said regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan and, obviously, regarding Russia as well,”- concludes the respondent.
“Russia aims to seize control of Georgia and Ukraine”
As early as in October I stated that Russia has outlined a new military doctrine. The doctrine, which is an anti-Western document to the core, was devised in December. According to it, NATO is an archenemy of the Russian Federation; on top of that, the document strongly suggests that Russia is getting ready to declare war on the West,”- declares military expert Vakhtang Maisaia in his interview with the Akhali Taoba publication.
“Russia thinks itself able to counter this powerhouse, especially in light of the fact that after the Cold War, the Alliance’s military readiness has decreased; NATO has demobilized its forces.
It’s also worth noting that since the London Summit of 1990, not a single document from NATO has ever typecast Russia as its number one enemy,”- states the respondent.
NATO failed to deter aggression from Russia, which is now browbeating the Baltic States and endangering their safety. In fact, Russia has already upgraded its military capabilities and is ready to counter the West,”- claims Mr. Maisaia.
Some changes, according to which Russia will view any move from NATO to implement its infrastructure as a military threat, have also been introduced to the doctrine. From now on, Russia will also define any territorial claim directed towards it as aggression. As the doctrine says, Russia is entitled to act against any political force that tries to implement an anti-Russian policy,”- says the respondent.
Russia’s ultimate goal is to hold influence over Ukraine and Georgia. After gaining control of these two countries, Russia will try to expand its power into the western countries as well,”- concludes Mr. Maisaia.
Why was Interagency Council on Foreign Policy founded in Georgia?
“Following the PM’s decision, an Interagency Council on Foreign Policy has been created in Georgia. As some experts allege, the Council’s working format is unclear at this time; however, its first session was held yesterday.
It would be interesting to know why the necessity for a new Council has surfaced if the Foreign Ministry is fulfilling its duties and its members coordinated smoothly,”- reports the Akhali Taoba newspaper.
“As the PM’s press service informs, the Council will offer recommendations on the country’s foreign priorities and will help the bodies that determine its foreign course to cooperate more efficiently,”- says the article.
The Prime Minister will reportedly preside over the newly created council that will be made up of Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Justice Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development as well as the Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. Head of Governmental Administration as well as his deputy head, Secretary of State for Security and Crisis Management along with secretary of the Economic Council will also be members of the Council. In addition, head of Georgia’s legislative body, plus some MPs will be involved in the council’s functions,”- writes the author of the article.
"Deputy Tedo Japaridze, who attended yesterday’s session, stressed that bodies or inpiduals defining Georgia’s foreign course must get involved in more active cooperation. According to him, the Council was created for the sole purpose of ensuring a more active level of cooperation between the council and the ministries of Georgia and determining the correct foreign policy vector for the state.
