Change of power in Georgia won’t be drastically affecting Tbilisi’s ties with Yerevan, though a positive trend is possible, a political analyst said.
According to Alexander Skakov, Georgia’s foreign policy as well as national minorities-oriented internal policy will become more predictable, balanced and realistic. “Possibly, the issues related to transit, church buildings and specific personalities will be resolved faster; however, no dramatic change is to be expected in view of Georgia’s continuing dependence on Azerbaijan,” the expert said.
“Baku will take every effort to prevent Armenia from gaining another link to the outside world through Georgia. This is the reason why Abkhazia railway won’t open, Vladikavkaz-Tbilisi road modernization will be hampered, and no communications to boost Russia-Georgia ties will be established. In reality, Georgia fell victim to its own policy, turning into a mere satellite for U.S. and Azerbaijan. The country became a “courtyard” rather than a transportation route,” the expert said, expressing hope for the situation to change.
An ally of the Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili won the presidential election. With votes at 12% of polling stations counted, Giorgi Margvelashvili won 64%. The election marks an end to a decade in power for pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili.
