UNCLAS TBILISI 000042
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, GG
SUBJECT: GEORGIA: REACTION TO U.S.-GEORGIA CHARTER
1. (SBU) Comment/Summary: The January 9 signing of the
U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership ("Charter") and
its significance dominated weekend news coverage in Tbilisi.
The GOG hailed the agreement as a positive step forward in
the bilateral relationship, although noted that it should not
be seen as quick fix to the issues facing Georgia. Several
key opposition figures, both inside and outside of the
Parliament including Christian Democrat leader Targamadze and
former parliamentary speaker Burjanadze, commented positively
on the charter; not surprisingly other opposition voices
either downplayed its importance or offered technical
criticisms. Noticeably absent was any public discussion as
to the public policy impact of a strategic partnership with
the United States. The weekend commentary showed once again
support for close U.S.-Georgia ties is strong across the
political spectrum. End Comment/Summary.
Government Hails Agreement
2. (U) President Saakashvili hailed the agreement in a
January 10 public statement, but stressed that there should
be "no illusions that this document would solve Georgia's
problems". Saakashvili singled out six main aspects which he
said lend historic significance to the Charter: Georgia
securing its place in the international system; Georgia
approaching the Euro-Atlantic space; Georgian success on the
road of democratic development; a new level for the
U.S.-Georgian relationship; the overall public support for
the Charter; and the enhancement of Georgia's economic
importance. Saakashvili stressed that the Charter signifies
the partnership between the countries and is not designed to
support him personally, and that the change of U.S.
administration will not effect U.S. foreign policy toward
Georgia.
3. (U) Georgian Foreign Minister, Grigol Vashadze called
the signing "a historic day for my country", adding that
"(t)he Charter .. strengthens the close strategic partnership
between Georgia and the United States". Vashadze continued
saying the Charter "is something the Georgian nation has been
aspiring to and something which will bring Georgia to the
Euro-Atlantic structure." Notably, Vashadze commented that
"... this document and our strategic partnership brings not
only rights, but also obligations to Georgia to be a
responsible ally, to be a democratic, open and liberal
society." Vashadze also stressed that the Charter had the
incoming U.S. administration's blessing as well. Deputy
Foreign Minister Giga Bokeria noted that "the Charter is not
directed against anyone, but is solely aimed at the
development of Georgia."
4. (U) Political analyst Tornike Sharashenidze expressed
optimism that the USA will help Georgia improve its defense
capabilities. However, defense analyst, Koba Liklikadze,
said the Charter was belated and it could have sent an
important signal to Georgia's opponents had it been signed
several years earlier. Political analyst Archil Gegeshidze
said the Charter would help the development of Georgia's
statehood, but Georgia's will and competence are of paramount
importance for any future successes.
Opposition Criticizes Saakashvili, Agreement, but Not Idea
5. (U) Kakha Kukava (Conservatives) said the Charter "is a
conglomeration of meaningless phrases which we have been
hearing for the past four years". Mamuka Katsitadze (New
Rights) said the Charter is nothing more than a memorandum of
intents and the U.S. "just replaced the verbal mode of
communication with a written one". Former Prime Minister
Zurab Noghaideli says the "Charter is good but it will still
not help this government". Disagreeing, Nestan Kirtadze
Qnot help this government". Disagreeing, Nestan Kirtadze
(Labor) said that Georgia "should not enter into any military
blocs and the accord is a way for President Saakashvili to
hold on to power". Tina Khidasheli (New Rights), Salome
Zourabichvili (Georgia's Way), Petre Mamradze (Movement for
Fair Georgia), Nino Burjanadze, and Giorgi Targamadze
(Christian Democratic Movement) all lauded the Charter, but
expressed the desire for more transparency leading up to the
signing, and sought to play down public expectations of the
"non-binding" document. The Labor Party was the only
significant party to criticize the signing saying only that
the document would only fuel "confrontation of super-powers
in Georgia".
TEFFT