Georgia stands for Olympic calm

Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

The state minister on peacemaking and civil equality, Paata Zakareshvili stated that no Georgian officials will attend Sochi Olympic Games, including the opening and closing ceremonies. However, it is not clear whether the Russian authorities invited President Margvelashvili and Premier Garibashvili to the ceremonies at all. A source in the Georgian government told Vestnik Kavkaza that no invitations were received. However, if the Georgian side would like to visit Sochi, invitations would be sent immediately – considering the general improvement of relations between Russia and Georgia.

It seems Moscow thinks that much more important is that Georgia doesn’t boycott the Olympics. A small sporting delegation from Georgia, including several athletes, will participate in the Games and carry their flag near honored guests among whom leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia will be present, but no official representatives of Georgia. That’s why they don’t want to go to Sochi.

At the same time, Georgia officially offers Russia support in providing security at the Olympics. The special envoy of Premier on improvement of relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, told Vestnik Kavkaza about it.

-          What is the essence and a motive of the offer?

-          As Georgia participate in the Olympic Games and the event takes place close to our territory, we decided to offer the Russian side our cooperation in the security sphere. It was discussed at our meetings with the deputy foreign minister of Russia, Grigory Karasin. And our leadership spoke about it many times. If Russia is interested in it, we are ready to consider all requests. Of course we are interested in holding the Olympics without any “surprises”, i.e. peacefully and without incidents.

-          Has Georgia finally decided to participate in the Olympic Games?

-          Yes, but it was a difficult decision for us. A part of our society doesn’t think the step is right. However, we don’t want to connect politics and sport; as a goodwill gesture toward Russia and the international society in general, our leadership and the Olympic Committee made such a decision.

-          Have you received any answer from Moscow to your offer on cooperation in the security sphere?

-          We haven’t. It seems our colleagues believe it is not necessary. However, if they show interest, we are ready to help them.