IRAN CAN USE GEORGIA’S VULNERABILITY IF SAAKASHVILI CONTINUES PUSHING PRO-WEST POLICY

PanARMENIAN.Net
09.07.2008 16:02 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ During past several years, relations between Iran
and Georgia tensed periodically over a number of foreign-policy
circumstances. However, they remained unnoticeable and never
transformed into open confrontation, according to an Armenian expert.

"With Mikhail Saakashvili coming to power, Tbilisi and Tehran have
experienced various political and diplomatic problems," Eduard
Abrahamyan, director of Mitq analytical center, writes in "Current
stage of Iranian-Georgian" article.

"The latest scandal burst out when Georgia, demonstrating its devotion
to the United States, detained members of Iranian diplomatic mission
in January, accusing them of holding nuclear talks with Russia in
the Georgian territory. At that time, official Tehran urged immediate
release of its citizens and threatened Georgia with de jure recognition
of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s independence," the article says.

"Another factor is delivery of Iranian gas to Georgia. Iran can take
advantage of Georgia’s vulnerability if Saakashvili goes on pushing
pro-West policy. Investment agreements can also be used as a tool of
pressure. In aspiration to engage in resolution of conflict in the
Caucasus, Iran can watch the issue in the light of U.S. increasing
U.S. influence and its allies in Georgia and Azerbaijan," it says.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress