Paata Zakareishvili: Georgia to win more than lose from Putin' return

According to Paata Zakareishvili, the conflict specialist, the representative of the oppositional Republican Party of Georgia, Vladimir Putin's victory in the election will result for Georgia in an attempt to return the country to the sphere of Russia's influence; however, it is impossible under present conditions.

On January 27, a week before the voting, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement saying that in searching an exit out of the political crisis, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin "had returned to proven scheme finding an external enemy and traditionally chosen Georgia for that role."

In his turn, Vladimir Putin, who won the presidential election in Russia, during the today's press conference has emphasized that the problems in relations with Georgia are caused by actions of the Georgian leadership; however, he hopes that the exit will be found.

At present, the task No. 1 for Vladimir Putin is to return the glory of Russia, Paata Zakareishvili said in his interview to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to Archil Gegeshidze, the political scientist, the representative of the "Foundation for Strategic and International Studies", freezing in the diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia will last for other two years.

"Russia will not make a contact with Mikhail Saakashvili, who will not leave the position of the Georgian President till the end of 2013. I do not believe that till that time Putin will attempt to radically change the policy towards Georgia," says Archil Gegeshidze.

According to Viktor Dolidze, the representative of the oppositional Party "Free Democrats", no changes from the Russian side towards Georgia should be expected.

"However, we must understand that the Russian President is chosen not by citizens of Georgia, but by the citizens of Russia. If Putin is their choice, then we should take it into account and proceed from this position. Of course, Georgia should not give up its territorial integrity; however, the country should build relations with Russia," emphasizes Viktor Dolidze.