Georgia's January election: new crisis or reconciliation?


The Georgian 26 December, 2007, 18:39	Unless the basic causes for the discordant noises in Georgia are solved/dissolved, no amount of elections are bound to bring about peace/democracy back to the state. The Ukrainian scenario springs to mind rather often! The Abhkhazian issue, the Ossetian imbroglio and broadly the relations of Georgia with RF and other CIS states are the prime factors that shall determine Georgian politics in the coming months/years! permalink quote 0 The Georgian
Gregory 27 December, 2007, 20:03	One step at a time.and maybe you will get your territory back. In the mean time do not turn your backs on the chechens. permalink quote 0 Gregory
Sam 27 December, 2007, 23:20	Supporting Chechens directly is a very dangerous thing to do for any country. If am not mistaken the territories Georgia whats back where added to it by the Soviet Union and were not initally part of Georgia.Had anyone asked the people whose land it really is if they want to be in Georgia? I think its fair is it not? after all, all soviet laws were disolved including the division of Abkhaz ASSR and addition of it to Georgia.So why is Georgia so keen on keeping territory given to it by USSR?But so keen on taking about soviet oppression? As for the election.We can only wait and see.So far have not shown much promise. permalink quote 0 Sam
Sevodnya_Net 28 December, 2007, 09:15	"One step at a time.and maybe you will get your territory back" The problems involving Abkhazia and South Ossetia are pretty intractable. The question of whose territory it is depends how far back in history you go. For example, South Ossetia was originally "proper" Georgian territory. The "real" Ossetia is the North, but these arguments don't cut much ice when you have to deal with current realities. So the election won't solve these problems. It seems as though the Imedi TV channel is deliberately now trying to pick a fight with the authorities by closing itself down (possibly disappointed that much of the controversy surrounding its original forced closure had melted away). All one can ask is that the elections offer free expression to all the candidates and the votes be fairly counted. There is more chance of that happening in Georgia than in a few of its neighbours - a sad fact. permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
George. D 28 December, 2007, 17:45	I don't see anything bad happening to Georgia they just started with democracy they will become better with time,.i hope who ever is elected would work for the better of it's country .also there should be no military threats againg South Osetia and Abkhazia it doze nothing for dialogue neither doze it frightened them,.only real friendship and dialogue will find solutions to the problems,. permalink quote 0 George. D
dan 29 December, 2007, 17:05	I hope they do have a free and fair election as it the only way to true democracy through dialogue honesty tolerance and being able to respect the views of others.Lets hope that the opposition is arrested or beaten up by the police like we had a few weeks ago.I hope no one is locked up for a few days and all goes well permalink quote 0 dan
dan 30 December, 2007, 09:20	I have just read my previous comment and realized I made a terible error.I hope no member of the opposition is arrested or beaten up permalink quote 0 dan
Maiko Cristina 4 January, 2008, 14:21	It is so obvious and so crude - Russia is trying to take back - one by one- all ex Soviet Republics. Look at Belorus, Ukraine and now Georgia. So pretty soon the goulags will be put back to work. Russia's idiotic notion of a great power will cause its distruction. Wait until the prices of oil will go down. Russia is a third-word country with natural resources that all. permalink quote 0 Maiko Cristina
Temo 4 January, 2008, 16:41	I am responding to Sam’s earlier comment made on December 28 about Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He has doubted that they are parts of Georgia. I would like to remind you that Georgia has an ancient history. Saying that the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia were added to Georgia by the Soviet Union (It means after 1921, when Soviet Union Was created) is at least irresponsible. If you look into history more deeply (you don’t need to necessarily rely on Georgian sources. You can read Greek or Roman sources for example) you will notice that these territories always belonged to Georgia. Georgia even had Ossetia king ruling entire kingdom. Georgian, Ossetia’s and Abkhaz brothers always fought against external enemies together. Please stay assured that it is a matter of time before Georgia becomes reunited again. permalink quote 0 Temo
Jina Tsavartanem 5 January, 2008, 04:02	I urge everyone to stop writin on this site, especially about Russia, Georgia, etc.this is Putin\s TV station, it\s a waste of time people to say something that makes sence or change anything. Russia is just one power hungry, possessed with arms and oil country. who thinks I am wrong, get a life!!!! permalink quote 0 Jina Tsavartanem
OA 5 January, 2008, 18:39	everyone has a right to express ideas! so it is wrong approach to try to stop anyone! OK! elections in Georgia are important not only for Georgians but democratic elections are necessary for the stability of the the region! I do hope the people in the election commissions and those in the administrative posts will not get scared and will have enough courage to turn votes into accurate results! Well as for the interests of other countries, each country has certain interest and Georgia does, isnt it? I am neither Georgian nor Russian, but, if Georgia continues to undermine the existence of Russia in the region, it will cause obviously serious problems! Even the West has started to negotiate with Russia which means it is not a third world country! I would advice Georgians to get rid of sick patriotism and try to judge things using the healthy logics instead of treating questions emotionally! Regards! permalink quote 0 OA
arash 6 January, 2008, 03:01	Goergia is in the crisis since it so called "independence".Georgia might be independence from USSR but today she is obeying USA.and with this election the crisis just deepening. In Georgia there are people in power who want nothing but power,"thereis no difference between Saakashvili government and Eduard Schevardnadze.i'm afraid of street violence . permalink quote 0 arash
Marzipan6 6 January, 2008, 08:00	Jina, what you say about Russia permalink quote 0 Marzipan6
In Tbilisi 6 January, 2008, 10:05	These elections are a complete sham, on par with the Kenya elections. Moreover, they also expose Sakhashvilli's claim to be a Western Style democrat (Though that phrase itself is a hypocritical misnomer). Georgia today has to learn from its past and look into the future. As they say- You cannot live in a pond, having made enemies of the big crocs. Georgia's future lies in reconciliation within CIS not without. Then only peace/stability/progress and FINALLY any semblance of Democracy will enliven its shores. Otherwise, I'm afraid. permalink quote 0 In Tbilisi
dan 6 January, 2008, 11:28	I noticed that there were two reporters from RT in Georgia condemning the attack on opposition members in October.I wish these same reporters could have reported on the attacks on Russian opposition recently when Garry Kasparov was arrested and jailed for five days and some young person paid with his life.A few days later that young mans funeral mourners were harrassed by police on their way to his funeral.Is it possible for you reporters to use the same enthusiasm on reporting Russian police violence as they do when reporting on Georgia.Or am I expecting too much? permalink quote 0 dan
jina 6 January, 2008, 13:38	I do not blame reporters, they get paid and told to do so, it's just the company itself is a perfect example of Dengi EST Uma Ne Nado (meaning where money is enough brains are not needed).the company was created to fix the image of a giant bear-looking Russia in the eyes of the world! and to let some people who have no idea about the region (there are billions like that who think that Abkhazia and Ossetia not Georgia and Georgia never excited before Russia), but that's also not their fault, I also do not know much about Muslim countries that are so deteriorated now, but certainly wouldn't let CNN to brighten my head or a thing called RT to tell me what is Abkhazia. I will be mislead by those brainwashed kids working there calling themselves journlaists.That's it.please do not comment to me any more.RT simply follows the rule to make other post soviet regions appear hopeless without Russia!! permalink quote 0 jina
Paul 6 January, 2008, 19:20	Dan- There is enough reporters in the English language news around the world to overhype the significance of Kasparov then we need. I question them more then RT. I've lived with those lies all my life in the West. As for Georgia, they need to stop antagonizing there closest neighbors, because it's they that are neighbors. The U.S. is like the guy that is married and says he'll leave his wife for you one day but never does. permalink quote 0 Paul
Sevodnya_Net 7 January, 2008, 10:49	I'm going to stick my neck out here and suggest that the elections were largely fair. Independent monitors largely agree on that, and given that all the main candidates were "pro-western" anyway, it's hard to justify the usual conspiracy theories in that regard. I'd certainly expect the Russian monitors to agree: given they recently declared the Uzbek election "free and fair" then I daresay that for them "anything goes" :-) But it's so difficult to be sure with any election - no sooner are people out of the polling stations these days than exit polls immediately proclaim the winners and the losers, and votes seem to be counted in next to no time. One thing is certain: if Saakashvili HAS cheated then he'll be found out in time. The "revolution" so-called that happened in 2003 marked a change in Georgia that can never be undone, and it's good to see people out protesting, because it shows folk care about their government. It would also help Georgia greatly if the Russian government got over its major huff with that country dating from 2003, and began to behave responsibly vis a vis trade and two of Georgia's three ethnic minority territories (the two bordering the RF, oddly enough :-) permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
Norman 7 January, 2008, 15:17	It looks like Georgia is very divided, with no immediate solution in sight. The big question is what the opposition will do next. What are the major, and minor, differences between the government and opposition? permalink quote 0 Norman
Sevodnya_Net 7 January, 2008, 19:14	The main opposition candidate wants to turn Georgia into a parliamentary style democracy more like Britain's with a less powerful head of state. This is an interesting idea which, again, shows I think how far Georgia has come in its democratic outlook. I must say I'm very hopeful for the future. permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net

The Georgian 26 December, 2007, 18:39

Unless the basic causes for the discordant noises in Georgia are solved/dissolved, no amount of elections are bound to bring about peace/democracy back to the state. The Ukrainian scenario springs to mind rather often! The Abhkhazian issue, the Ossetian imbroglio and broadly the relations of Georgia with RF and other CIS states are the prime factors that shall determine Georgian politics in the coming months/years!

permalink quote The Georgian

Gregory 27 December, 2007, 20:03

One step at a time.and maybe you will get your territory back. In the mean time do not turn your backs on the chechens.

permalink quote Gregory

Sam 27 December, 2007, 23:20

Supporting Chechens directly is a very dangerous thing to do for any country. If am not mistaken the territories Georgia whats back where added to it by the Soviet Union and were not initally part of Georgia.Had anyone asked the people whose land it really is if they want to be in Georgia? I think its fair is it not? after all, all soviet laws were disolved including the division of Abkhaz ASSR and addition of it to Georgia.So why is Georgia so keen on keeping territory given to it by USSR?But so keen on taking about soviet oppression? As for the election.We can only wait and see.So far have not shown much promise.

permalink quote Sam

Sevodnya_Net 28 December, 2007, 09:15

"One step at a time.and maybe you will get your territory back" The problems involving Abkhazia and South Ossetia are pretty intractable. The question of whose territory it is depends how far back in history you go. For example, South Ossetia was originally "proper" Georgian territory. The "real" Ossetia is the North, but these arguments don't cut much ice when you have to deal with current realities. So the election won't solve these problems. It seems as though the Imedi TV channel is deliberately now trying to pick a fight with the authorities by closing itself down (possibly disappointed that much of the controversy surrounding its original forced closure had melted away). All one can ask is that the elections offer free expression to all the candidates and the votes be fairly counted. There is more chance of that happening in Georgia than in a few of its neighbours - a sad fact.

permalink quote Sevodnya_Net

George. D 28 December, 2007, 17:45

I don't see anything bad happening to Georgia they just started with democracy they will become better with time,.i hope who ever is elected would work for the better of it's country .also there should be no military threats againg South Osetia and Abkhazia it doze nothing for dialogue neither doze it frightened them,.only real friendship and dialogue will find solutions to the problems,.

permalink quote George. D

dan 29 December, 2007, 17:05

I hope they do have a free and fair election as it the only way to true democracy through dialogue honesty tolerance and being able to respect the views of others.Lets hope that the opposition is arrested or beaten up by the police like we had a few weeks ago.I hope no one is locked up for a few days and all goes well

permalink quote dan

dan 30 December, 2007, 09:20

I have just read my previous comment and realized I made a terible error.I hope no member of the opposition is arrested or beaten up

permalink quote dan

Maiko Cristina 4 January, 2008, 14:21

It is so obvious and so crude - Russia is trying to take back - one by one- all ex Soviet Republics. Look at Belorus, Ukraine and now Georgia. So pretty soon the goulags will be put back to work. Russia's idiotic notion of a great power will cause its distruction. Wait until the prices of oil will go down. Russia is a third-word country with natural resources that all.

permalink quote Maiko Cristina

Temo 4 January, 2008, 16:41

I am responding to Sam’s earlier comment made on December 28 about Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He has doubted that they are parts of Georgia. I would like to remind you that Georgia has an ancient history. Saying that the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia were added to Georgia by the Soviet Union (It means after 1921, when Soviet Union Was created) is at least irresponsible. If you look into history more deeply (you don’t need to necessarily rely on Georgian sources. You can read Greek or Roman sources for example) you will notice that these territories always belonged to Georgia. Georgia even had Ossetia king ruling entire kingdom. Georgian, Ossetia’s and Abkhaz brothers always fought against external enemies together. Please stay assured that it is a matter of time before Georgia becomes reunited again.

permalink quote Temo

Jina Tsavartanem 5 January, 2008, 04:02

I urge everyone to stop writin on this site, especially about Russia, Georgia, etc.this is Putin\s TV station, it\s a waste of time people to say something that makes sence or change anything. Russia is just one power hungry, possessed with arms and oil country. who thinks I am wrong, get a life!!!!

permalink quote Jina Tsavartanem

OA 5 January, 2008, 18:39

everyone has a right to express ideas! so it is wrong approach to try to stop anyone! OK! elections in Georgia are important not only for Georgians but democratic elections are necessary for the stability of the the region! I do hope the people in the election commissions and those in the administrative posts will not get scared and will have enough courage to turn votes into accurate results! Well as for the interests of other countries, each country has certain interest and Georgia does, isnt it? I am neither Georgian nor Russian, but, if Georgia continues to undermine the existence of Russia in the region, it will cause obviously serious problems! Even the West has started to negotiate with Russia which means it is not a third world country! I would advice Georgians to get rid of sick patriotism and try to judge things using the healthy logics instead of treating questions emotionally! Regards!

permalink quote OA

arash 6 January, 2008, 03:01

Goergia is in the crisis since it so called "independence".Georgia might be independence from USSR but today she is obeying USA.and with this election the crisis just deepening. In Georgia there are people in power who want nothing but power,"thereis no difference between Saakashvili government and Eduard Schevardnadze.i'm afraid of street violence .

permalink quote arash

Marzipan6 6 January, 2008, 08:00

Jina, what you say about Russia

permalink quote Marzipan6

In Tbilisi 6 January, 2008, 10:05

These elections are a complete sham, on par with the Kenya elections. Moreover, they also expose Sakhashvilli's claim to be a Western Style democrat (Though that phrase itself is a hypocritical misnomer). Georgia today has to learn from its past and look into the future. As they say- You cannot live in a pond, having made enemies of the big crocs. Georgia's future lies in reconciliation within CIS not without. Then only peace/stability/progress and FINALLY any semblance of Democracy will enliven its shores. Otherwise, I'm afraid.

permalink quote In Tbilisi

dan 6 January, 2008, 11:28

I noticed that there were two reporters from RT in Georgia condemning the attack on opposition members in October.I wish these same reporters could have reported on the attacks on Russian opposition recently when Garry Kasparov was arrested and jailed for five days and some young person paid with his life.A few days later that young mans funeral mourners were harrassed by police on their way to his funeral.Is it possible for you reporters to use the same enthusiasm on reporting Russian police violence as they do when reporting on Georgia.Or am I expecting too much?

permalink quote dan

jina 6 January, 2008, 13:38

I do not blame reporters, they get paid and told to do so, it's just the company itself is a perfect example of Dengi EST Uma Ne Nado (meaning where money is enough brains are not needed).the company was created to fix the image of a giant bear-looking Russia in the eyes of the world! and to let some people who have no idea about the region (there are billions like that who think that Abkhazia and Ossetia not Georgia and Georgia never excited before Russia), but that's also not their fault, I also do not know much about Muslim countries that are so deteriorated now, but certainly wouldn't let CNN to brighten my head or a thing called RT to tell me what is Abkhazia. I will be mislead by those brainwashed kids working there calling themselves journlaists.That's it.please do not comment to me any more.RT simply follows the rule to make other post soviet regions appear hopeless without Russia!!

permalink quote jina

Paul 6 January, 2008, 19:20

Dan- There is enough reporters in the English language news around the world to overhype the significance of Kasparov then we need. I question them more then RT. I've lived with those lies all my life in the West. As for Georgia, they need to stop antagonizing there closest neighbors, because it's they that are neighbors. The U.S. is like the guy that is married and says he'll leave his wife for you one day but never does.

permalink quote Paul

Sevodnya_Net 7 January, 2008, 10:49

I'm going to stick my neck out here and suggest that the elections were largely fair. Independent monitors largely agree on that, and given that all the main candidates were "pro-western" anyway, it's hard to justify the usual conspiracy theories in that regard. I'd certainly expect the Russian monitors to agree: given they recently declared the Uzbek election "free and fair" then I daresay that for them "anything goes" :-) But it's so difficult to be sure with any election - no sooner are people out of the polling stations these days than exit polls immediately proclaim the winners and the losers, and votes seem to be counted in next to no time. One thing is certain: if Saakashvili HAS cheated then he'll be found out in time. The "revolution" so-called that happened in 2003 marked a change in Georgia that can never be undone, and it's good to see people out protesting, because it shows folk care about their government. It would also help Georgia greatly if the Russian government got over its major huff with that country dating from 2003, and began to behave responsibly vis a vis trade and two of Georgia's three ethnic minority territories (the two bordering the RF, oddly enough :-)

permalink quote Sevodnya_Net

Norman 7 January, 2008, 15:17

It looks like Georgia is very divided, with no immediate solution in sight. The big question is what the opposition will do next. What are the major, and minor, differences between the government and opposition?

permalink quote Norman

Sevodnya_Net 7 January, 2008, 19:14

The main opposition candidate wants to turn Georgia into a parliamentary style democracy more like Britain's with a less powerful head of state. This is an interesting idea which, again, shows I think how far Georgia has come in its democratic outlook. I must say I'm very hopeful for the future.

permalink quote Sevodnya_Net

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