Locals fear conflict with Turks if Russian base in Georgia closes

NTV Mir, Moscow
27 Mar 05

Not only politicians but residents of Georgia’s Akhalkalaki are
following the arguments between Tbilisi and Moscow. A good deal
depends on the results of the talks [on the closure of Russian
military bases]. Nugzar Kiriselidze reports.

[Correspondent] Is there any future for the 62nd Russian military base
in Akhalkalaki? For many residents of Javakheti province this question
is also about the future of the town of Akhalkalaki itself. After all,
this base ensures the survival of the town today.

For Akhalkalaki not to become yet another of Georgia’s ghost towns,
like those which, first, had lost their function and subsequently
their image, the residents of this Armenian-populated town in south
Georgia are ready to fight to the bitter end. Rallies are an everyday
occurrence here today. They raise urgent socioeconomic issues. And the
main issue is to ensure that the 62nd Russian military base remains in
Akhalkalaki. The locals see the base as a security factor and a
guarantee of economic prosperity. The region is populated by the
Armenians who resettled here from Turkey fleeing the genocide of
1915. A presumed enemy of the Soviet Union at one time has become
official Tbilisi’s strategic ally. But not for local Armenians who
remember history and fear its repetition if the Russian base is closed
down.

[A man] If the borders become open, what will happen here? What will
happen? There will be a conflict between us and the Turks because
they killed our forefathers, our children and fathers. Don’t you see
what will happen?

[Correspondent] Nearly the whole town – 90 per cent of the population
of 15,000 – is linked to the base. Some are serving under contract
there, others are civilian employees. If the Russian base leaves
Akhalkalaki, a huge numbers of local civilians will follow it.

[Passage omitted: vox pop]

[Correspondent] The servicemen of the 62nd base continue their
training and give military-style answers when asked about whether they
feel uncomfortable on hearing talk about the possible closure of the
base.

[Mikhail Koren, commander of a tank crew] It doesn’t affect our
service. We are serving as usual, it’s our work. We are carrying out
our duties. [Passage omitted]