Regnum, Russia
Oct 27 2006

Armenian expert recommends to Georgia to pursue a more balanced policy

Georgian analyst Ramaz Sakvarelidze expressed both his own opinion
and position of Georgian official authorities, Armenian expert on
problems of Armenian-populated Samtskhe-Javakheti region Mark Zoryan
says commenting on the analysts’ interview, published on October 16
in Georgian Akhali Taoba newspaper. In particular, Sakvarelidze
stated: `Via Georgia Russia connects with Armenia; if Russia does not
change its mind, Georgia may have an intention to cut off all
communications with it. Our country is acting with dignity yet not
returning to Russia what it deserves. If the process prolongs,
Georgia will inevitably close its borders; then, Russia’s connections
with its own ally in Caucasus will be cut off.’

`It is clear; analyst Ramaz Sakvarelidze expressed both his own
opinion and position of Georgia’s authorities. It is both blackmail
and plan of prospective actions towards Armenia. In fact,
Sakvarelidze says that Georgia can take inadequate measures and
become dangerous for Armenia. However, I would like to warn Georgian
authorities not even to think about it. If such steps are made, it
will turn out to be a catastrophe for Georgia,’ Mark Zoryan believes.
`Only communications passing through Georgia, keep the Armenian side
from adequate response to discrimination and trample of elementary
rights of Armenian population in Samtskhe-Javakheti. If Armenia
looses these communication ways, it will have nothing to lose. In
such case, Georgia will win nothing losing confidence of its peaceful
neighbor Armenia. However, it may loose. Early in 20th century,
switching from blackmail to actions, it lost the war again Armenia in
a similar situation. At that time, only interference of Western
countries saved Georgia from viewing Armenian army near Tbilisi.’

At the same time, the Armenian expert stated: `At present, when
Armenian people managed in fact to smash Azerbaijan in Karabakh
during difficult years for it, Georgia should pursue balanced policy
concerning Armenia, especially if it takes into consideration the sad
state of its economy and real possibilities of its quasi-army, as
well as the fact that it was practically destroyed by its former
autonomies – Abkhazia and South Ossetia.’