Alexander Rusetsky: events of August 2008 were part of huge geopolitical conflict

Experts believe that the events of August 2008 continue affecting many aspects of life in Southern Caucasus. Alexander Rusetsky, Director of the Caucasus Institute for Regional Security, believes that the conflict should be viewed in the context of geopolitical games played by Russia and NATO. Giorgy Khutsishvili, Director of the International Centre on Conflict and Negotiations, emphasizes that at present, the Russia's policy is inconsistent. Giorgy Kanashvili, Executive Director of the "Caucasian House", believes that the Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia has deprived Russia of levers to put pressure on Georgia.

After five years of stagnation in the relations between Russia and Georgia, a period of warming has begun. This was stated by Giorgy Khutsishvili, Director of the International Centre on Conflict and Negotiations.

Negotiations between Abashidze and Karasin led to the Russian market's opening for Georgian goods. At the first stage, those goods are represented by wines and mineral water. Later, agricultural products will be added to the list. This was emphasized by Giorgy Khutsishvili.

Giorgy Kanashvili, Executive Director of the "Caucasian House", believes that the situation on the border of South Ossetia is a gross violation of all international norms and agreements.

The expert believes that the construction of barriers on the border represents a signal to Georgia that no changes in the Russia's attitude towards Abkhazia and South Ossetia will occur.

Russia bears all responsibility for the conflict of 2008. This was stated by Shota Malashkhiya, the deputy of the Parliamentary Committee on Reintegration and an MP from the United National Movement.

Shota Malashkhiya stated that the introduction of the Russian military forces to the Georgian territory from Abkhazia and the subsequent storming of the Kodori Gorge was another acknowledgement that Russia conducted a deliberate operation on the occupation of Georgia.