The so–called Armenian-Georgian humanitarian issues related to Armenian schools in Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tbilisi in fact have a serious political, rather than technical background, the political scientist Sergey Minasyan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Caucasus, told NEWS.am.
Such problems are discussed at all the meetings, and Georgian FM Grigol Vashadze’s forthcoming visit to Armenia is not an exception. “Despite the discussions, the Georgian side is realizing its plan of action. In its turn, the Armenian side is actively raising the problems of Armenian language and schools, being well aware that it has to do with the political background of the issue of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Armenian-Georgian relations.”
As to the impact the Armenia-Russia, Georgia-Azerbaijan and Georgia-Turkey relations may have on Armenian-Georgian relations, Minasyan said: “It has an immediate impact on Armenian-Georgian relations, especially after the August 2008 war. The reason for Georgian society’s cautious attitude to Armenian and Armenia is not only the national minorities’ problem, but also the problems of the Armenian and Georgian states. To a considerable extent, it is Armenian-Russian military cooperation. Russia is number one enemy for Georgia, which factor certainly has its influence on Armenian-Georgian relations. On the other hand, Georgia is using this format, for example, the opening of the Upper Lars checkpoint. It is nothing but the use of Armenia by both Georgia and Russia in their attempts to informally re-establish relations after the five-day war.”
According to the expert, Armenian-Russian partnership creates a negative background for Armenian-Georgian partnership. On the other hand, this partnership facilitates informal contacts between Georgia and Russia. Georgia and Azerbaijan have not formed a politico-military alliance, and neither side gives any security guarantees. However, Russia gives Armenia security guarantees. In the context of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Georgia wanted to make a reverent gesture towards Azerbaijan, considering similar situations in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh. It makes Georgia more receptive to Azerbaijan’s position on Nagorno-Karabakh.
However, the expert said, Georgia is well aware of the fact that it has to maintain at least a seeming balance between Armenia and Azerbaijan if it wants to act as a transit country in the South Caucasus.
As to the possibility of Georgia viewing Armenia as a mediator in its relations with Russia, Minasyan considers it “theoretically possible.” In practice, however, neither Russia nor Georgia will show a wish to resume their dialogue in the foreseeable future.
