Politics is politics, but average people still have their interests. These interests do not fit the declaration of the ruling parties quite often. Many Russians still visit Georgia in spite of political disagreements and visa obstacles.
VK journalist Oleg Kushaty talked to a famous Russian poet Igor Irtenyev after his trip to Georgia:
-Igor, nowadays there is much talks about tourist future of the North Caucasus. Exactly in the republics of North Caucasus, not in the region of Mineralnye Vody where the infrastructure has existed for a long time. There are huge projects for ski resorts. For instance, "Mamison" which will be located in the mountains of North Ossetia, near Georgian border. Would you like to visit the Caucasus?-You mean the Russian Caucasus?
- Only the Russian.
- Why you think the Russian authorities started talking about tourism in Caucasus?
and she came back very impressed. To tell the truth after 5 days at the - Probably they think that the region should be developed. But the risk is quite high. All the time something happens there. By the way, my daughter, a student, and her coursemate went to Kabardino-Balkaria last year. It seems to be quiet region. I was worried anyway though could not forbid her to go there. But her trip there was really good same place Swedish or some tourists were attacked and robbed. I think the situation is quite similar in all of the Caucasus. - You said you go to Georgia. It means you are not a typical Russian. The Russians are afraid of going to Georgia now.
- But I am not afraid, I have plenty of friends there. Usually I go to Tbilisi one or two times a year. As for safety and life conditions the situation is really different there. Georgia is a fast developing country. - Does not it seem strange to you, you say the situation in Georgia is getting better but at the same time there is much more malcontent there? More opposition, more demonstrations against the government.
- It is a question of political culture. The opposition is not suppressed there as in Russia, Georgia went much further on the democratic path than Russia.
- Do not they have any problems?
- Problems exist everywhere. Yes, of course, there are people who dissatisfy with this regime. By the way, the regime is not ideal, I can say that. Again it is not Finland or Sweden. But anyway it is a democratic country where about 60% of population supports the president, according to the last elections. It is quite a lot.
- Do you think Georgia will manage to get back the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia or they are separated already?
- I think they are separated for a long time if not for ever. What might change the situation? Cardinal change of the power in Russia which does not seem to happen. Huge economical and social growth of Georgia, absolute recession at the territories. I do not think it is real. I think it is going to be along story. Of course nobody will recognize these republics, but they can exist as North Cyprus. De facto they will exist; de jure they have no perspective.
- Igor, what is your favorite place in Caucasus?
- Georgia. It is the country I love from my childhood. In Georgia it is probably Tbilisi, Kakhetia, Svanetia. Georgia is a wonderful country.
- What is your favorite place in Tbilisi?
- Sharden, a restored center. It looks like Moscow Arbat, a touristic area, many cafes, tables outside, small galleries, souvenir shops. Also around the Sukhoy (Dry) bridge where artists cluster together. In general Tbilisi is a very beautiful city. It is being restored; seven years ago when I was there the first time it was absolutely ruined now
it is of course renewed. But anyway there is plenty of work there. I hope it will be done.
- Do not they plan to publish your poems in Tbilisi? In the 60-s Yevtushenko and Voznesensky saved theirselves there.
- To be honest I do not have any problems publishing my books in Moscow. I cannot say that an iron hand of KGB caught by the throat. My new book is coming soon. So I have no reason to follow the poets of the sixties. But anyway now an anthology of modern Russian poets is being published in Tbilisi. My poems are there as well.
Interviewed by Oleg Kushaty. Exclusively for VK.
