#18 - JRL 7286
Kommersant
August 12, 2003
EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE TURNS THE CROSS TO RUSSIA
... within the framework of a new foreign policy concept Shevardnadze takes
America's advice to cooperate with Russia
Author: Vladimir Novikov
[from WPS Monitoring Agency, www.wps.ru/e_index.html]
- PRESIDENT EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE OF GEORGIA SAYS THAT RELATIONS WITH
RUSSIA AND THE UNITED STATES ARE TO BE DEVELOPED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK
OF A "CONCEPT OF THE CROSS." THAT MEANS WARM RELATIONS WITH WASHINGTON
- AND PRIORITY RELATIONS WITH MOSCOW.
The concept of the cross is the idea of Vakhtang Rcheushvili, leader
of the Socialist Party, known as the most pro-Russian politician in
the Georgian government. President Eduard Shevardnadze disliked
Rcheushvili in the past, and even called him his political opponent.
Certain changes have taken place recently. Shevardnadze is referring
to the concept of the cross more and more often, and Rcheushvili has
become a leader of the pro-presidential bloc For a New Georgia.
Shevardnadze explained the change in foreign policy priorities as
follows: "The Americans are actively helping us in all fields, but at
every summit our American friends tell us over and over to find a
common language with Russia, to cooperate with Russia, to take its
interests in the region into account, and try to find common interests
with Russia." It seems that Shevardnadze will follow the advice now.
He emphasized that cooperation with Russia does not conflict with
Georgia's wish to join the European community; because "as a great
power, Russia is understandably ahead of us in the process."
All the same, Georgian leaders are pinning some hopes on the
Kremlin in this respect. This is the only explanation that comes to
mind when one sees the new slogan of the pro-presidential bloc in
Tbilisi: "To Europe together with Russia". The response of pro-Western
parties is somewhat slow. They probably understand that the public in
Georgia is fed up with anti-Russian rhetoric, and see that it's
impossible to resolve the problems facing Georgia without Russia's
help.
(Translated by A. Ignatkin)
Aug. 12, 2003:
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