Georgia dreams about NATO, but dreams do not always come true

The government of Georgia considered that yesterday’s decree of the Russian parliament, in which the deputies condemned America’s possible army presence in Georgia, was an attempt to interfere in the home affairs of the republic of Georgia.

The foreign ministry of the republic claimed that such a step did not assist in the development of the neighborly and friendly relations. The decree, which was passed by the Russian parliament on Wednesday, acknowledged the right of the people of Abkhazia and South Osetia republics for the establishment of their state structure – in case of the unfavorable process of negotiations pertaining to the regulation of the conflicts between Georgia and Abkhazia, and between Georgia and Osetia.

President of Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze got very nervous and declared that he never heard about the Russian deputies and he only cared about the statements from the Russian president. Shevardnadze reminded Vladimir Putin’s words, who said that Georgia was an independent sovereign country, so it could develop the military cooperation with any countries.

All leading mass media outlets published the statement from Georgia president’s aide for foreign issues, Shalva Pichkhadze: “Deepening the military cooperation between Georgia and the USA could simplify the process of Georgia’s incorporation in NATO,” – the aide said. He added that the entire re-orientation of Georgia army’s training on NATO standards, which would soon be carried out with the help of the USA, Turkey, Great Britain, Germany, France and Greece, would considerably raise Georgia's chances for its membership in NATO.

Pichkhadze reminded that the Georgian president declared about Georgia's intention to submit an application (in 2005) for its membership in NATO long ago. “The government did not re-consider those plans,” – said Pichkhadze.

Well, this is a lesson to learn, but it would be great, if it could bring good both for Russia and for Georgia. The deputies ought to think first, and then make decisions, not vice versa. Such unexpected turn of events will provoke the Georgian nationalists to the rapprochement with the USA and prolong Shevardnadze's regime.

Dmitry Chirkin PRAVDA.Ru

Translated by Dmitry Sudakov