Peace treaty benefits both Baku and Yerevan Caliber.Az from Tbilisi

Caliber.Az presents an interview with Mamuka Achba, a Georgian political scientist and a member of the United Democratic Movement party board.

- What is your assessment of the current level of economic and political relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia?

- The partnership and close economic and political relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan have a positive impact on the development of our countries. Transportation of Azerbaijani energy resources, close interconnection of tourism infrastructure and much more positively affect the economy and development of both countries.

- I would like to hear your current assessment of the military and political situation in our region?

- The South Caucasus is the space where three states have existed for centuries and they should be able to freely coexist in a civilized world. Therefore, peace and stability in the South Caucasus should be in the interests of all three countries. If Russia would not interfere in the issues of the South Caucasus, many issues could be solved much easier.

- Could you please share your opinion on the recent meeting between Aliyev and Pashinyan in Brussels?

The start of negotiations for a peace agreement is certainly to be welcomed. As is the fact that these negotiations at this stage have taken place under the auspices of the European Union. There are challenges for both sides, but it should be noted that in this particular situation, the signing of a peace agreement is in the interests of both countries. It will be the guarantor of peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The main thing is that this agreement should include such mechanisms of implementation, which will be easily accessible to both sides.

- And at the same time, there is an unflagging revanchist mood in Armenia. What is to be done about it?

Revanchist statements and actions will not lead to good. Azerbaijan has restored historical justice. The main thing now is to establish peace and sign a peace agreement, which will be very important not only for Armenia. However, if Azerbaijan eases its pressure on Armenia, it will bring some positive results and will be beneficial for both countries.

- Is Georgia still aiming to join NATO after the events in Ukraine?

NATO recognizes the territorial integrity of Georgia, but at this stage, the prospect of its membership in the Alliance has been postponed for an indefinite period. It is very difficult to become a member of the Alliance when parts of the country are occupied, as the example of Ukraine has shown. In addition, there are NATO member states that are opposed to the expansion of the Alliance.

Georgia needs NATO membership in order to defend itself, but we should note the fact that the territorial integrity of the country should be restored only through peaceful negotiations.

- Has Georgia come closer to the EU in recent years?

In Georgia, the government and the public are separated from each other. A behind-the-scenes, oligarchic 9-year rule has left its mark on the country, as well as on its economic advancement and aspiration for the European Union. It is incompatible that the government is loudly proclaiming the prospect of membership in the European Union and at the same time the country has a monopolized judicial system, an electoral code, systematic violations of human rights, etc. Yes, society is ready to do everything to join the European Union, but it is hindered in this by the current government's actions aimed only at keeping power.

- Relations between Ukraine and Georgia have deteriorated. What is your assessment of this situation?

Ukraine is our strategic partner, which is why the position of the Georgian government on not joining the international anti-Russian sanctions and on preventing the sending of military volunteers has become unacceptable for it. And in general, the position of the ruling party Georgian Dream on the war between Russia and Ukraine has become unacceptable for Kyiv, which is manifested in double play of the Georgian government.

The government is trying through its policy of not irritating Russia to take steps, not for the benefit of the country, but on the contrary, to preserve and prolong its own rule. They are trying not to irritate the Russian partners of the oligarchic puppet ruler Bidzina Ivanishvili.

At a time when almost the whole world imposes sanctions on Russia, no one demanded from Georgia to develop any new ones separately, on the contrary - Georgia was only expected to join the already known sanctions, to which the government responded with an unreasoned refusal. This was the reason for recall of the ambassador of Ukraine from Georgia. Although it should be noted that thousands of Georgian volunteers, including the Georgian Legion, are fighting heroically for the territorial integrity of Ukraine.