Conflict in Georgia: Relations with Russia (archive)
Georgia's relations with Russia since independence have been complicated by three interconnected sets of issues: Russia's continuous support for the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the lack of agreement on a timetable for withdrawal of the remaining Russian military bases in Georgia, and Russia's perception of Georgia as a safe haven for Chechen rebels. During his visit to Moscow in February 2004 the new President of Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili, stated that better relations with Russia would be one of his foreign policy goals. He also offered to enhance border cooperation as a sign of commitment to tackling terrorism but the relationship between Tbilisi and Moscow has become further complicated by the act of terror in Beslan, North Ossetia, blamed on Chechen guerillas.
The historic visit of George Bush was widely welcomed within Georgia. Politically, the US President appeared to be selecting an itinerary to counter-balance his attendance at the Moscow celebrations of the 60th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.
more...From: Eurasianet (Open Society Institute) Related topics/regions: [Georgia] [Russian Federation] [Democracy] |
At his inauguration, the newly elected leader of Abkhazia, Sergei Bagapsh, has stated his determination to push for independence and to form a strategic alliance with Russia.
more...From: Eurasianet (Open Society Institute) Related topics/regions: [Georgia] [Russian Federation] [Conflict] |
The United States has offered to assist with the cost of closing Russian military bases in Georgia and also to finance extensive military training programmes. Russia will be less than thrilled with any gestures which suggest NATO boundaries moving east.
more...From: Eurasianet (Open Society Institute) Related topics/regions: [Georgia] [Russian Federation] [United States] [Arms & military] |
Many politicians in Georgia are quick to point out that Russia opposes separatism in Chechnya whilst encouraging it in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Others feel that it would be wiser for Georgia to concentrate on its own standards of observing basic principles of territorial integrity and human rights.
more...From: Civil Georgia |
Russia has been sitting on the fence on the critical question of its recognition of Abkhazia as an independent state. With new leadership in Abkhazia recently elected on a policy platform of secession from Georgia, experts in Moscow think this may the time for the Putin administration to come down in favour of the separatists. Such a move would directly conflict with policy of President Saakashvili in Georgia.
more...From: Eurasianet (Open Society Institute) Related topics/regions: [Georgia] [Russian Federation] [Conflict] |
Georgia has much to fear from potential Russian reaction to the tragic events in Beslan, despite conciliatory statements by President Saakashvili. Existing instability in the North Caucasus region could worsen and there are concerns that Russia may cross the Georgian border in the search for terrorists.
more...From: Eurasianet (Open Society Institute) Related topics/regions: [Russian Federation] [Georgia] [Conflict] [Terrorism] Image: President Putin © Radio Netherlands Wereldomroep
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Initial relations between President Putin and Saakashvili were cordial; the subsequent deterioration is blamed squarely on the South Ossetia crisis with neither side able to shake off the heavy burden of the region's history. In Moscow even the general public is expressing hostility to Georgia in general and its President in particular.
more...From: Eurasianet (Open Society Institute) Related topics/regions: [Georgia] [Russian Federation] [Conflict] |
President Mikhail Saakashvili pursues his strategy of appealing to ordinary people in South Ossetia by suggesting that the underlying disagreement is with Russia rather than the province. Both Russia and Georgia accuse each other of violations whilst simultaneously conducting talks to avoid escalation of violence.
more...From: Eurasianet (Open Society Institute) Related topics/regions: [Georgia] [Russian Federation] [Conflict resolution] |
For Russia, the reopened railway to Abkhazia is an opportunity for displaced persons to return home; for Georgia it is provocative endorsement of an unrecognised separatist regime. Georgia turns to the Commonwealth of Independent States for support.
more...From: Civil Georgia |
Two Russian military bases within Georgian territory are a longstanding source of tension between the countries. The United States supports Georgia's demands for their removal. The new Georgian government has a proposal to convert the bases into jointly managed anti-terrorist centres.
more...From: Civil Georgia |
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