by Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza
The fourth day of the Russian-Georgian Journalism School started with a report of Andrey Sushentsov, an expert of MGIMO, concerning Russian-Georgian relations in the regional context. The report was composed with Nikolai Silayev, editor of the political section of the Expert Journal. They believe that Russia and Georgia will not confront each other forever and may find a solution to the problem of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The authors say that one of the solutions is to form a confederate union, which Abkhazia and South Ossetia would join voluntarily. Russian military presence in the republics could be discussed in the future. Restoration of railway communications would solve many economic and humanitarian problems. The Cherkess genocide has not been recognized yet, which is a problem for security. The authors believe that Georgian strive for NATO membership would not be an anti-Russian choice.
Students attended training by Mayak Radio producer Giya Saralidze to discuss formation and modern state of FM broadcasting in Russia.
Ismail Agakishiyev, Director General of Vestnik Kavkaza, read a lecture about the problem of tolerance of media in South Caucasus. He proposed reconsideration of the term “tolerance”, adding the notions of “respect” and “respectful attitude”. Agakishiyev noted its unique history and culture where people of different nationalities had lived. It has places where Muslim mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches, Jewish synagogues and Armenian churches stand next to each other. The expert reminded about the tragedy of January 1990 when peaceful people were killed in Baku. Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Russians and Ukrainians present at the lectures agreed that tolerance should include mutual respect and neighbourhood culture.
