Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
On May 26th, Georgia traditionally marks the anniversary of the declaration of the National Assembly on the restoration of state independence. This year the date wasn’t a milestone anniversary, but a significant one (95). However, there was no pan-national integrity – the tension between the President and the Premier showed itself.
The scandalous arrest of the closest supporter of the President, the former Premier and the Internal Minister Vano Merabishbili foreshadowed the anniversary of the Georgian Democratic Republic's foundation. According to the court, former “almighty Vano” who is accused of corruption will stay in prison awaiting trial; the first session will take place only in the middle of July. On the night of the 26th of May participants of the meeting which took place two years ago, who were severely suppressed by special services under Merabishvili’s command gathered in the center of the capital. As the result of the protest which took place two years ago four people were killed and hundreds were put behind bars. Merabishvili will have to respond to this as well. Accumulatively (the norm of accumulative sentencing operates in Georgia) Merabishvili could be sent to prison for 25 years.
The collapse of “the iron minister” influenced the readiness of two leaders (first of all, the insulted President) to celebrate the holiday together and show the people “patriotic unity” in protection of pan-national values. In fact, there is no unity even in this issue. Sunday"s events proved that Mikhail Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili understand “coabitation” differently and rely on different value landmarks. Premier focused on “restoration of justice”, i.e. severe punishment of the former authorities, including members of President’s team; while President went to Afghanistan to congratulate Georgian military men on Independence Day, “who fulfill a high mission, being involved into the NATO coalition.” He spoke on the background of an American military van about the necessity “of the constant fight for independence of the country against foreign and internal enemies.”
Saakashvili flew to the remote country because in his motherland he had nothing to do on this day: the government canceled a traditional military parade. It was useless to shout “I will command the parade!” The Defense Minister is an old opponent of Saakashvili, Irakly Alasania; the top commandment consists of officers devoted to Ivanishvili. The army wouldn’t obey the Supreme Commander’s order, if the President adopted it.
So, Saakashvili decided to go to the Afghan province of Helmand and repeat “the New Year step” when he celebrated the holiday at the military base of Shukvani. However, the Afghan topic becomes less and less popular in Georgia which cannot understand what 22 Georgians were killed for and what the country will get from the West for providing its security.
The holiday was marred by rain, but when it stopped gala concerts began in several cities across the country. It was obvious great material resources were invested into the festival. Both the winners and the losers understood clearly that the country is at the end of the old era and in the beginning of a very different period of its history.
