"Caucasus is the foothold of Russia"
Published: 23 October, 2010, 12:20
Edited: 26 October, 2010, 13:32
The deputy head of the Russian President’s administration, Vladislav Surkov, has spoken about the significance of the Caucasus for Russia during his visit to the Chechen Republic.
Given its culture, traditions, warm weather and snowy mountains, once stability is reached the Caucasus will receive the visit of millions of tourists from the rest of the Russian Federation. Whatl makes the Caucasus more attractive for tourists from the rest of Russia is its personality. And, if Russian-Georgian relations improve the idea of Sakashvilli about a visa-free region in the whole Caucasus can be welcomed (extended to all Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan...) A Free Treade zone and Customs Union between Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia is a bright idea which will develop during the next years as it will increase Trade and tourism in the area. Stability and good diplomatic relations between neighbor states are essential for the whole Caucasus. In fact, the same way many tourists from my region (Galicia, Northern Spain) choose the Porto Airport (Portugal) for travel as it has good routes, the best Airports in the Caucasus could be used by any citizen from the area. If Germany and France, which had three awful Wars, can share not just a Customs Union, Common Market and Free Trade Area but even a Common Currency, then the Russian Federation, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan can imrprove their relationship without any doubt.
The more one knows, the less one fears. It is really great that the political leaders are discovering the power of culture. Unlike the Western model of multiculturalism that has envisioned different cultures as living in a parallel worlds, it is heartening to hear a politician understands the beauties and uniqueness of cultures, but also belonging together as people. Talking more about Caucases, showing more, sharing more. This is the key to better future. Economy is important, but money is not everything. One has to really give great deal of credit to Chechen leadership in making major strides to take pride in their culture, religion as well as the pride in Russia.
Andorra, the 80,000 people montanous country placed between Spain and France in the Pyrenees, can be an example for a future agreement between Russia and Georgia about South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Even if Andorra is an independent nation, there are two Chiefs of States (the President of France, and the Archbishop of the Spanish town of Seo de Urgel) So perhaps South Ossetia and Abkhazia could have a joint Chief of State from Georgia and Russia, with just symbolic power. The Chiefs of State of Andorra cannot interfere in its national affairs.
The common people in Caucasus have nothing against Moscow, the divider that promote independent are outsider, whom conspire Russia Collapse.
It's a good idea Enrique, but I'm afraid it's not necessary in this case. Georgia has zero claim to both S Ossetia and Abkhazia because both territories joined the Soviet Union at different times than Georgia. Meaning that before the Soviet Union, these territories were NOT part of Georgia. And so, just as Georgia sought its independence from the Soviet Union, S Ossetia and Abkhazia have the same equal right to seek independence from the Soviet Union.










It is great to see that Russia's polical leaders and policymakers are discovering the power of culture as the best answer to fighting radicalism. Of course, economic developments are still key to fighting radicalism but culture is also a key tool which must be brought to bear in the fight against foreign supported terrorism against the multi-ethnic, multi- faith great Russia.