Georgia discusses Medvedev’s interview

Not too long ago the Georgian Russian-speaking TV-channel “First Informative Caucasian” (FIC) couldn’t imagine that it would have an opportunity to take an interview from the Russian President. The channel has been perceived by Moscow with caution and even hostility. Many in Russia believed and still believe that this FIC, financed by Georgia and headed by experienced Western media-managers, is aimed at crushing stability in the North Caucasus of Russia. However, considering FIC closer and giving appraisal to the professionalism of the team, Moscow decided that this media resource is not a tool of direct propaganda: it works without breaking the rules of the game and modern information technologies. And if this is so, why not play on the opponent’s information field? Moreover, FIC was counterbalanced by Russia Today, which was represented by the granddaughter of the former president of Georgia, Sofiko Shevardnadze, during the interview. However, it was as difficult for her to talk about the events of August 2008 as it was for the FIC journalist, Katya Kotrikadze.

In Tbilisi, the President, the Prime Minister, the parliamentary speaker and the foreign minister all failed to comment on the interview. Only the President’s press secretary, Manana Mandzhgaladze, said: “It is obvious what we are dealing with. Again we have heard phrases peculiar to the Cold War on Western plots against Soviet Russia. It is sad that the president of a neighboring country says things like that not only about Georgia, but also about other neighbors, showing his disrespect for the statehood of these
countries.”

Nevertheless, experts and deputies are glad to comment on Medvedev’s interview. The interview convinced one of the leaders of the United National Movement party, David Darchiashvili, that in fact Georgia cannot deal with the current Russian authorities. “The current Russian elite remains between the hammer and sickle and the two-headed eagle. Moreover, Medvedev is displeased, as he doesn’t make any real decisions.”

Meanwhile, the interview became a kind of “legitimising” of not only FIC, but also the president of Georgia. It was first time since August 2008 that President Medvedev had called his colleague “the duly elected” head of state. The Russian leader noted that during the five days of the war he had an opportunity to depose Saakashvili in one move, but he didn’t do so, as his only aim was the protection of South Ossetia from Georgian aggression. In Tbilisi, such an explanation for the unexpected withdrawal of Russian tank troops near the village of Igoeti (20 km from the capital) wasn’t accepted as truthful.

“Russia could solve so many of its problems, if it deposed Saakashvili and appointed any of its protégés (for example, Igor Giorgadze),” the independent political scientist David Avalishvili told VK. “The point is in the very moment US president Bush and defense minister Gates stated their military and humanitarian support for Georgia. Moscow didn’t know how America would act if tanks continued to arrive: would it remain indifferent or take serious steps?”

One of the most respected politician scientists of the country, Georgy Nodia, commented on Medvedev’s interview for VK.

- Of course, Medvedev is trying to improve the official Russian version of the reasons and circumstances of beginning of the war. He hasn’t said anything new. Considering the information I have, I don’t think his interpretation is right or objective. In other words, I don’t think that the war can be characterized as “Georgian aggression”, especially as Georgian aggression against Russia.

- Why do you think the Russian leader agreed to give an interview to FIC?

- Apparently, Mr. Medvedev wants to present himself as a democratic leader, who has bad personal relations only with Saakashvili, but is ready to address the people of Georgia directly. He didn’t lose by this interview for the Georgian channel.

- Some experts believe that the interview is a sign that the Russian authorities are ready to deal with members of Saakashvili’s circle, if not with him. Do you agree with this view?

- Everything that is happening in Russia at the moment should be viewed in respect to the pre-election campaign. It seems that Vladimir Putin will be the main candidate for the presidential position. However, Medvedev presents himself as a liberal alternative to Putin. His interview to Georgian journalists correlates to such image. As for signs that the president of Russia is ready to deal with anyone except Saakashvili, it is obvious that Saakashvili will be the political leader of Georgia for the foreseeable future. At least in the next two years. So there is no practical value in talking about dealing with someone else.

The wide-scale arrangements carried out on the third anniversary of the military conflict are also a kind of response to Medvedev’s interview. They began on August 7th, as, according to Georgia, that was the day that Ossetian units fired on Georgian villages in South Ossetia. An exhibition of Georgian artists was held as part of the mourning ceremonies. The singer Dito Lagvilava sang the song “I want to go back home.” Meanwhile, in 17 countries of the world, Georgian communities held demonstrations near Russian embassies.

Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively to VK.