Sergi Kapanadze: the only mechanism we can use is maximal engagement of international community
06 June, 2014
0
What happens in Abkhazia, why did Sokhumi unrest coincide with the pre-period of signing of the Association Agreement by Georgia, how is Putin’s role played in occupied Abkhazia, what should Georgian population in Gali expect and what can be reasonable steps of the Georgian side in such a circumstance? ,,Georgian Press’’ tried to get answers from the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Sergi Kapanadze.
Georgian Press: Mr. Sergi, how would you assess the events developing in Abkhazia?
Sergi Kapanadze: there are two significant parts – these events should not be presented with a deep, internal political aspect and at the same time we should always remember the role Russia plays or may play. Due to the unrest in Abkhazia Russia may influence greatly the processes developing there and use it against us.
It is also significant how these processes will influence the Georgian population in Gali and Ochamchire.
Georgian Press: in Sokhumi it is demanded to evict the Georgian population from occupied Abkhazia. This proclamation was said during protest actions.
Sergi Kapanadze: This is the most pessimistic scenario. The power, which will probably win in Abkhazia, demands the Georgian population to be deprived of Abkhazian passports. It means that they will be in a very bad condition, especially if their free movement is restrained. Consequently, the threat of evicting Georgians from Gali is real, but in my opinion this should not be dramatized. The only mechanism we can use is maximal engagement of international community.
Georgian Press: Sokhumi unrest coincided with the pre-period of signing of the Association Agreement with the EU. Is it possible this process to become the reason for cancelling or preventing the Association Greement from signing?
Sergi Kapanadze: Naturally, this desire exists in Moscow. But our choice is unique and such events will not be obstacles for the signing process. But situation in Abkhazia may develop so that these events may cause problems in the future. Therefore, if these processes are not discussed in international context it will be the greatest mistake. We should not say that this is only our internal affair. These events are primarily related with Moscow. But we should do all without extra dramatization.
Georgian Press : some experts do not exclude Crimean scenario in Abkhazia.
Sergi Kapanadze: from my point of view Crimean scenario is more possible to happen in Tskhinvali region now but it may take place in Abkhazia in average-term period.
Georgian Press: you were the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and have some experience – what can the government’s reasonable step be – observing from distant or the process internalization?
Sergi Kapanadze: the government should maximally use international levers, increase temperature on international arena in order to make everyone see what there is happening, how we see the processes, in order our message to come to them before the Russian one and our partners should realize the threat we are talking about and they should find out about it from us rather than the third party. Besides, there are some instruments that can be used in different international organizations. I repeat: the task of these instruments is providing them with maximal information. From my point of view this is what should primarily be done.
Georgian Press: as for the successor of the so-called president Ankvab – they say there will be a governor who will promote integration in Russia. Is this real?
Sergi Kapanadze: there are many controversial opinions. No power is pro-Russian, it matters how the future de-facto governor will desire to integrate in Russia. This issue is significant in terms of local issues, in respect of safety and wellbeing of Gali population. Moscow is the main governor and decision-maker and we should remember it. Ankvab was dismissed and it is hard to predict who will win in such a situation.
Georgian Press: is it possible that opening a ,,second front’’ in Abkhazia and tension of relations with international community to be more profitable for Russia during the events developing in Ukraine?
Sergi Kapanadze: it reminds me of a poem by Tutchev: Россию не понять, Аршином общим не измерить: У ней особенная стать —В Россию можно только верить. We often try to nationalize Russia’s actions and often it is not so.
Georgian Press: how can these processes last?
Sergi Kapanadze: I repeat once again that we should have most negative in mind and not ignore it as the worst scenario may develop. We should be ready for the bad and hope for the better.
Author: Dali Bzhalava, Georgianpress.ge
