Interview by Dzhamilya Alekperova, Baku. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
The deputy minister on settlement of conflicts of Georgia, the representative of Georgian Dream, Georgy Volsky, expressed his view on the new authorities of Georgia and restoration of Russian-Georgian relations to Vestnik Kavkaza.
- Power has changed in Georgia and the topic of restoration of Georgian-Russian relations is discussed intensively. Is complete recovery possible?
- Bridges which were burnt by the war of 2008 and the followed political decisions prevent the complete recovery of the bilateral relations. At the same time, the new government will follow pragmatic interests of Georgia. It has a resource for recovery of relations in the spheres of economy, culture, security, while the government of Mikhail Saakashvili had no such resources.
- Do you think Moscow will make concessions in the process of the bilateral dialogue? If it doesn’t happen, can Georgia make first steps?
- I believe it is naïve to wait for political concessions from Moscow. Our positions are totally different, but first steps have already been made. Two countries-members of the WTO have a lot to discuss. Moreover, relations between two societies shouldn’t suffer from political disputes between their governments. We have mutual understanding in this sphere, and negotiations on its implementation should be provided.
- In what case can Russia consider Abkhazia and South Ossetia issues in favor of territorial integrity of Georgia? Is it possible at all?
- At the moment speaking about any preliminary conditions on settlement of Abkhaz and South Ossetian issues has no grounds. Frankly speaking, I think it would be an insult to societies of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, if we began political bargains on their further future. Yes, Moscow determines a lot, but our first goal is not to return the territories, but to return people’s trust. We should secure our children from a prospect of watching at each other through guns’ back-sight.
- The nongovernmental organization “The Union of Societies for relations between Georgia and Russia: yesterday, today, tomorrow” and cultural activists of Georgia are establishing an initiative group on settlement of Georgian-Russian relations, which is aimed at recovery of mutual projects in the sphere of education and science. Do you think their work will be successful?
- I wish all the best to the organization. I am sure we have a lot to share in the sphere of education and science.
- When will a possible meeting between Vladimir Putin and Bidzina Ivanishvili take place?
- At the moment an opportunity for the meeting is hypothetic, but we should be ready for it.
- What changes took place in the Georgian internal policy after Ivanishvili had come in office?
- We shouldn’t forget that the president’s power still exists and has a significant mechanism of state management. After Ivanishvili’s team had come to power, drastic changes in the Georgian budget structure took place. Now it is socially oriented. The process of depolarization of force structures is undergoing, as well as demonopolization of business.
- Is it possible that President Saakashvili will leave his position ahead of time or leave the politics a all?
- The majority of the society protests against the constitutional norm on holding presidential elections in October 2013, while the five-year term of presidency of Saakashvili runs out in January. The whole constitution was made for interests of preservation of the power.
- What do you think about current Georgian-Azerbaijani relations?
- The bilateral relations remain at a high level, it is a long tradition. They are improved by mutual interests.
- What changes can take place in the bilateral relations under the new management?
- The new administration of Georgia will implement some new economic projects, including construction of a railway. The line Baku-Tbilisi-Kars requires numerous benefits for all sides, including Georgia. All misunderstandings were eliminated after the visit to Baku by the Georgian delegation.
- Recently a conflict between Muslims and Christians in Georgia has been discussed? Have you managed to solve the problem?
- Georgia is a unique part of the world where conflicts on religious grounds have never appeared. Yes, there were contradictions between communities in one of villages, but it wasn’t a conflict.
