Moscow spins a web in the Caucasus

Huge Russia still firmlier squeezes grip on tiny Georgia. Last Wednesday the president of Russia Dmitry Medvedev and Abkhazia leader Sergei Bagapsh had signed the contract which will allow Moscow to create a military base on the territory of this separative Georgian republic. Officially military co-operation is directed to protection of “sovereignty and safety of Abkhazia”. Agreement was signed for the period of 49 years with the opportunity of the extension. NATO immediately declared of non-validity of this pact with republic, whose independence admit none of 28 members of the alliance.

Nevertheless, new initiative is just a logical continuation of regional strategy of Moscow approved after five-day war, in which Georgia grappled with Russia in August 2008 for control above South Ossetia. “After Moscow admitted independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, all region de facto passed under the control of Russia - its troops and militia control Abkhazian boundaries”, - they note in American centre Stratfor.

From the date of ending the war Russia untiring escalated a military presence in two mutinous republics, directing there reinforcements and building military bases. Russian battleships regularly patrol waters of Black sea at Abkhazian coasts. As for contract of cease-fire signed August 12, 2008 on the initiative of France, Russian party still infringes its conditions. NATO countries vainly sought “ withdrawal of Russian troops beyond line previous the beginning of fight actions, and observers' access to all territory of Georgia”. Besides Kremlin tries to push through today a new contract of the reform of architecture of European safety and to achieve recognition of right to influence choice of allies by the republics of the former USSR which it still considers as a part of its zone of influence. “Similar region militarization represents a direct threat for Georgia. In separative republics there are a few thousand of Russian soldiers. We are afraid of a new aggression on the part of Russia “, - Davide Darchiashvili, the chairman of parliament's committee of Georgia on eurointegration explains.

The anxiety of Georgian was strengthened as well by sale project of Russia of French warship of the class “Mistral”. Paris confirmed these plans, reminding that cold war ended long ago and that it is necessary to relate to Russia as to reliable partner. (France intends to construct “confidential relations” with it). This contract which possibly will become the first such transaction between Russia and member-country of NATO, can be signed already in March on the occasion of visit to Paris of Russian leader.

Yesterday the head of Russian Joint Staff Nikolay Makarov again confirmed his interest to French helicopter carrier which as well can transport armor and about 900 soldiers, and Tbilisi henceforth dreams about bloody nightmares each night. According to data of Russian newspaper “Businessman” Moscow in parallel negotiates deliveries of light armor with French Panhard company. If Kremlin “ will be given tanks, ships and rockets, we will turn out in high risk, as it will allow it to intrude to any country of East Europe or CIS only for a few hours, whereas earlier weeks would be required to it”, the president of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili declared in London yesterday.

Secretary of Defence Robert Gates who arrived for a visit last week to Paris expressed Washington concern since acquisition of aerial delivery ship “Mistral” will allow Russian military to raise considerably its offensive opportunities. In August 2008 the president of France presided then in EU Sarkozi departed for Tbilisi and Moscow, in order to persuade belligerent parties to sign agreement of cease-fire. “But if Russians will purchase these ships, there will not be time on stopping war, if she begins again!”, - Davide Darchiashvili warns.