What a speech, what an audience and what results!
May 2nd, 2008 by jibs
Georgia’s President Mikheil Saakashvili bore a fascinating speech two days ago. Saakashvili called on the Abkhaz and South Ossetian populations to “fight the outrageous and irresponsible force” – Russia.
President’s address comes on the background of Russia’s decision to lift embargo from the de facto statelets and establish legal ties with Georgia’s rebel provinces.
Most in Abkhazia and South Ossetia see this as an opportunity to shake off isolation and thus improve living standards. On the other hand, Russia’s move is also perceived as a “step closer to international recognition” - a much desired outcome for the separatist provinces.
It is therefore hardly conceivable why the happy Abkhaz and South Ossetians would forget about their ambitions for independence, unite with Georgia and resist Russia – country that practically holds all the keys to their survival.
Saakashvili underlined that the “reign of separatist, corrupted and criminal groups” is not a choice of the population living there — meaning that decisions against the Georgian statehood are made somewhere else.
This perception sinks into a comforting fantasy: the Abkhaz and South Ossetians are confused, brainwashed allies who really wish to participate in Georgian state building, but their Russian-puppet leadership prevents them from pursuing their true desires. This view is unfortunately far from reality.
Many agree that in fact the new Abkhaz generation is far more radical than the “war generation” of the 1990s. For a good place to follow a dialogue between Georgians and Abkhaz, visit http://cyxymu.livejournal.com/
A more interesting debate would be if Georgia wants Abkhazia’s territory or 
the Abkhaz population back. If the target is population, then Georgia has practically failed over the last 4 years to convince the Abkhaz and South Ossetians of living in Georgia. If it is about the military option, then Georgians done a superb job in rebuilding the army (but what if the Russians intervene?).
It is of course not an easy task to rebuild ties after ethnic wars. Enormous diplomatic efforts and economic resources – translated into specific, tangible results of cooperation between sides are needed to address the conflict. And of course this is easier said than done. But when there isn’t even a dialogue on these issues, there is something very wrong with the Ministry of Reintegration.
Yes, the Russians are villains and practically use these breakaway republics as garrisons in the Caucasus. Yes, if there was an international peacekeeping force in the conflict zones things would be much calmer. Yes, its true that Russia’s backing of Abkhazia’s independence might one day encourage its own ethnic minorities to seek independence.
And yet, the vast majority of the population in the breakaway republics remains strongly opposed to living within the common Georgian state. Georgia’s initiatives such as establishing a youth camp near the conflict zone in Abkhazia (Ganmukhuri) or bringing Boney M to South Ossetia, either make things worse, or have no effect on rebuilding ties whatsoever. Every single time there is an interaction between the sides, it is related to a recent shoot out in the conflict zone, a shot down of a plane, burning of the houses, etc. Nothing positive.
So, is there really anyone listening to Saakashvili’s address?
sephia karta Says
It seems to me the most hopeful example of two sides growing closer to each other again would be Cyprus.
May 7th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Medea Says
So, is there really anyone listening to Saakashvili’s address?
I would reply to your question that, in my opinion, not many in Georgian controlled areas listen and believe in President, let alone Abkhazians and Ossetians in breakaway regions. Have you ever heard of peace deal offered from TV? Especially in a circumstances where Georgian TV Channels are not broadcasted in Abkhazia and South Ossetia?
May 14th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
jibs Says
Like I wrote, two audiences: Georgian population and some bureucrats in EU and USA who have very little understanding of what is happening “over there”.
First, no one makes serious offers on a live TV broadcasting - for this you have official meetings, workgroups, close consultations, etc. And maybe afterwards, you announce the plans… Abkhaz and Georgian sides don’t hold meetings for over 2 years now.
Second, Abkhaz and South Ossetians don’t exactly speak Georgian that well to comprehend Saakashvili’s offers.
Third, it is an obvious PR stunt to show the offer on the table which would throw into awe those EU and US officials who know little about “over there”, and possibly give credit to the pre-election promises to resolve the conflict “within months”.
Shortly a trite PR effort. I wonder if anyone truly believes in these re-used and re-cycled tricks…
One thing I have yet to understand is why Alasania — once Saakashvili’s representative to Abkhaz negotiations — was sent to UN? This guy is an acceptable figure for the Abkhaz and was rather successful in talking to them. Yet, when he actually achieved something, he was removed… truly strange…
May 14th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
jibs Says
Here is one very sensible article on Georgian-Akkhaz-Russian triangle by Thomas De Waal — definitely worth a read, and certainly outside the usual articles stuffed with from “over the seas” myopic views.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121071707546389739.html
May 15th, 2008 at 6:22 pm