"Ivanishvili’s entry into politics should be welcomed, because this man has proved that he is a patriot and Georgia is his main concern"
For me, Sarkozy's speech answered very important questions. Most important was that France once again supported the territorial integrity of Georgia. There were rumors that Sarkozy thinks Russia has already carried out obligations, undertaken by the 6 point agreement. Concerning this famous document, Mr. Sarkozy strongly reaffirmed his position and declared that when the State (in this case - Russia) undertakes some obligations, it means that State must carry them out and failure or blackmailing is totally unacceptable" - Said political analyst Zurab Abashidze to the newspaper "Kviris Palitra" In an interview named “One day France "captured" Moscow.”
"There was a very important statement concerning the NATO: we know that in 2008 France did not vote for giving MAP to Georgia. As Sarkozy’s visit showed the attitude has changed in this field as well. It is a very important statement that the EU observers, who arrived in Georgia in September 2008, should monitor the border, but also should enter Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region as well. He said that Georgia is a European country “when I'm here, I feel like I'm in Europe, but you still need to do many things in order to really get to Europe”. In order to become a European state, to become a member of European Union or get closer to it, first of all very serious changes must take place in Georgia itself." – declares Mr. Zurab Abashidze with the correspondent of “Kviris Palitra”.
Elections must be held as they are held in Europe. The range of government should be European, the court must be European, and generally, all people, starting with the president and including ordinary citizens should behave like Europeans -This is what the President of France meant. It is also noteworthy that France has good relationship with Russia and reconciliation does not have alternative. This is the way of coexistence of two states in the modern world. Sarkozy has clearly said that after World War II, France reconciled with Germany.with this example he indicated that at some stage we should also find solutions with Russia. The EU has its own vision and geopolitical objectives. It is in their interest to have good relations with Russia. We can not force them to formulate their politics according to the interests of Georgia, but to become their partner, whose interests are also taken into consideration, is quite possible" - continues the respondent.
"Every citizen has the right to engage in politics, including businessmen. In particular, Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili definitely has such right, because he is a donator of an unprecedented scale. During the past 15 years he has helped many people and institutions. Trinity Cathedral, theaters, universities, exhibition halls – it is even not possible to count all of them. So it is good that he decided to enter politics. This man has proved that he is a patriot of Georgia. It is also noteworthy that during all these years he has lived in the village Chorvila. Without any problem, He could have lived somewhere in Cannes or Miami. So in my opinion he may become a real find for Georgian politics. – states Abashidze.
It is very difficult to predict anything. First answers we’ll have when it becomes clear which personalities are with him at the beginning of his political career. It is important who will be the members of his team and with whom he will form a political party or movement. I hope he has analyzed these issues very well because our opposition needs to be strengthened. I think Bizdina Ivanishvili’s entry into politics will create a powerful alternative, which will balance political monopoly of the government.
On the question, concerning Ivanishvili’s statement that all televisions, including "Maestro" and “Kavkasia” are controlled by special services and thus are pseudo-oppositional, Abashidze answered:
The duty of politicians is to make statements, take the initiative and offer suggestions. The duty of media is to criticize all this. While Ivanishvili was a donator, it is clear that he has rarely been criticized. In addition, it was his right to be in a “shadow”, but now, when he decided to become a politician, the rules have changed. Now he is a politician and media will criticize him directly, bitterly, mildly, mercilessly and so on. Politician must always be ready and prepared for such attention. He cannot make mistakes here – because nobody is going to forgive"
