NATO does not have to choose between Russia and Georgia, the Georgian political scientist Ramaz Sakvarelidze told NEWS.am, commenting on a new concept of NATO, according to which NATO is no more a threat to Russia. According to him, NATO seeks a resolution of the Russian-Georgian problem through a “kind word.”

“What is in question is establishing cooperation through NATO’s mediation and resolving the problem in a peaceful way,” Sakvarelidze said. He pointed out that, in a sense, it can be viewed as the West’s reputation.

“The West and the U.S. need the Georgian problem. They need big Russia harassing small democratic Georgia, which they will defend all together,” the expert said.

As regards a diplomatic solution if the sides hold diametrically opposite positions, Sakvarelidze pointed out that there are ways out of this difficult situation. “For example, Russia may agree to a federative republic which would be formed of Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In fact, it turns out that, after being recognized as independent states by Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia joined the federative republic formed on the same principle as Russia itself,” he said.

Sakvarelidze considers a referendum unlikely. The Georgian Government’s proposals for referendum have been rejected for 20 years. Abkhazia and South Ossetia will not agree to the return of Georgians now, he said.