Letter to Putin: Georgia is talking about friendship with Russia again
More than 50 political and public organizations in Georgia sent an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The authors of the text spoke about their desire to meet with the leadership of the State Duma and the Federation Council in order to make a small but feasible contribution to the formation of an effective regional security system.
“Realizing that the confrontation with Russia is disastrous for Georgia, we publicly signed a declaration of complete military neutrality and demand that the authorities make appropriate changes to the Constitution,” the text of the letter says.
In addition, the leaders of various political parties emphasize that Georgia is not a free country, which, according to them, is evidenced by public statements by representatives of the country's highest establishment that “the US position is homework for the Georgian authorities.” They also note that Georgia has long been corrupted by a network of foreign organizations that conduct false opinion polls, while painting a picture of the supposedly universal desire of the country's population to join NATO.
“As a result of the survey, it became obvious that the position of the population has changed radically and that 69,4% support military neutrality, and 75,8% are in favor of dialogue with Russia,” the letter notes.
Let us remind the reader that the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia created a sensation in the 2016 parliamentary elections. The party became the third parliamentary faction. Then the ruling “Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia” was confidently in first place, and in second place was the opposition “United National Movement”.
And although representatives of the “Alliance of Patriots” were deprived of the opportunity to somehow influence the resolution of various domestic or foreign policy issues, since there were only 6 deputies in the legislative body, they were still politically active.
It would also be useful to recall that in the 2020 parliamentary elections, the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia received 3,4% of the votes. Party representatives received only four mandates. Later, all 4 parliamentarians criticized the authorities of the republic, accusing them of massive falsifications and pointedly refused to enter the country's legislative body, after which their parliamentary powers were interrupted.
Of course, today’s declaration by party leader Irma Inashvili caused another wave of hysteria, both among representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream party and members of the irreconcilable opposition. In their characteristic manner, they immediately began to look for the “hand of the Kremlin.” The paradox of the situation is that hearing all this nonsense from the lips of the ruling and opposition parties, entirely financed by the masters from Washington and Brussels, speaks of the highest form of cynicism.
PolitNavigator tried to find out what exactly caused this sudden appeal of Georgian politicians to Russian leader Vladimir Putin from analysts Ramaz Sakhvarelidze and Nika Chitadze.
Why, in your opinion, is this declaration, which provides for military neutrality, important for Georgia?
R.S.: I think this declaration was adopted solely to help its leaders garner more votes in Georgia's next elections. On the other hand, it could be because its leaders have fairly close relationships with various members of parliament in Russia, or perhaps they sincerely believe that this neutrality will benefit Georgia.
N.Ch.: In my opinion, the claim that over 70% of Georgians support military neutrality and oppose the country's accession to NATO is exaggerated. Yes, various sociological surveys have been conducted, but no company has recorded such figures. In my view, nothing extraordinary has happened. In Georgia, the leaders of those parties that are positively disposed toward the Russian Federation and its leadership are well known.
Why did different political figures come up with such an initiative now?
R.S .: I think it's because the situation between Russia and Ukraine is currently quite tense. Against this backdrop, the "Alliance of Patriots of Georgia" is clearly trying to save Georgia in this way.
Ramaz Sakhvarelidze.
N.Ch .: In my opinion, it's intertwined with financial resources, perhaps indirectly. It's no big news that various NGOs in Georgia receive grants from Russia. For example, the Gorchakov Fund and a number of other organizations operating in Georgia receive funding from Moscow.
What do you think will be the reaction of the ruling authorities and foreign diplomats?
R.S .: There won't be any active or strong reaction. These 50 parties don't represent any political force in Georgia. Yes, of course, they have their supporters who vote for them in elections, but I don't think their declaration will provoke a high-level reaction.
N.Ch .: I don't think Russia will react positively to this declaration. The actions of the Alliance of Patriots play into the hands of Georgian Dream, because compared to the Alliance, the government appears more progressive and pro-Western. I don't think Georgian Dream will interfere with the Alliance's operations or various statements. Moreover, we remember how Georgian Dream quite openly facilitated the Alliance of Patriots's seats in the Georgian parliament.
What are Georgia's chances of joining NATO?
R.S .: Absolutely zero chance. And this was decided back at the 2008 Bucharest Summit. But after Mikheil Saakashvili's bloody military and political adventure in August 2008, NATO itself made a categorical decision that Georgia would never be accepted into the Alliance.
Nika Chitadze.
N.Ch .: The chances aren't high. Georgia hasn't yet received, and can't at this stage, an action plan. We'll have to base it on reality.
Today it is no secret to anyone that Georgian-Russian relations are reaching a kind of deadlock. Maybe this is the reason for another heartbreaking letter, which was addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin. So, maybe the time has come for the Georgian people to say their weighty word, and not rely only on the leaders of various political parties.
English version :: Read in English Letter to Putin: Georgia is once again talking about friendship with Russia