Paata Zakareishvili: «The matter is not about any recognition of independence!”

After the victory on parliamentary elections in Georgia of opposition Paata Zakareishvili was appointed to a post of the state minister of reintegration issues (settlement of the conflicts). In recent years the known political scientist was the chairman of Institute of nationalism and the conflict studying and one of the leaders of the Republican Party, the head of the Centre of development and cooperation of Georgia.

First of all, the statement of a position of the new leadership of Georgia about the relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the independence of which Georgia isn't going to recognize was waited from Zakareishvili. And the new minister stated the point of view:

- Neither I, nor my ministry while have no intention to change something at once. Let's look, as these or those regulations work and then we will already think how to change and what to change. There are fundamental positions which I want to confirm – the Georgian authorities adhere to restoration of territorial integrity peacefully. Unequivocally!

We will adhere to this position and even not to think that it is possible to solve this question with the help of the arm. Secondly, we are accurately attached to the unilateral statement for non-renewal of arm. The Geneva format is very important for us. We will strengthen and support it, will try to create more effective working mechanism. The European mission on monitoring is very important for us, it is necessary to support their actions.

At this stage there is no feeling that it is necessary to change something. It is necessary to support that works as much as possible and then to look what doesn't work and already to work with it. I don't consider that now our main task is to leave on the Abkhazian and Ossetian party – for us it is important to form the Georgian policy. Firstly, to continue what was made. Secondly, to add with other steps.

And to show to the Abkhazian and South Ossetian public that the Georgian authorities undertake any concrete steps, and in case of emergence of desire of contacts, we are ready to it. But I don't gather to force– for me it is important to leave with any new offers instead of they told that don’t see the policy changes…

I confirm that corrupted Georgia couldn't take up the issue of Abkhazia, while didn't solve a corruption question. There was the awful corruption in Georgia then … And I specially pass the word “independence”, never use it… I specially weigh up the words. And though I speak quickly, I weigh up: what it is possible to say and what not. I never spoke about recognition of independence of Abkhazia. Let's manage with words how they are created: the recognition has a lot of different sides! It is possible to recognize Abkhazia as confederation, autonomy, federation – it is possible to recognize everything, but … that who wants, will understand how is necessary.

I confirm that there is no matter about any recognition of independence! Of course, I’m ready to discuss about other forms of recognition with them. I participated in Concept writing about the special status of Abkhazia as a part of Georgia. There is a speech about recognition of the subject of the federation of Georgia. For some reason nobody quotes it, but quote things, which speak foggy specially to begin any dialogue.

2008 year spoiled a lot of things! Unfortunately, it rejected us very far. The 15-year peace pause was a great achievement and we shouldn't lose it by no means. But there's nothing to be done … Now we shouldn't criticize the past, but should move forward. And, first of all, to create worthy, normal conditions for accommodation of displaced persons where they live today. And already to solve a political question about their return; as far as the return to Abkhazia won't be painful for the Abkhazian society which is afraid of Georgia. To create such conditions of return that also the Abkhazian party was happy with decision-making and Georgian.

After all when the resolution of conflict will take place?! When the parties of the conflict make one decisions how further to go together. Certainly, there will be a work after signing of any hypothetical peace treaty; and such contracts will allow to work not so separately for the world, but to go forward in common.