Who can be the mediator for the restoration of Georgian-Russian relations?
Thursday, February 5
“I think that the Church has already made several steps in this direction. Georgian Patriarch Ilia II paid a visit to Moscow and participated in the funeral of the Russian Patriarch. I think both the Russian and Georgian churches will play a big role in this process.”
Maiko, nurse, 47
“International organizations can mediate this process. Only the EU or OSCE can make sure that Russia will take responsibilities and keep them.”
Davit, manager, 28
“I don’t think that mediators are really needed for that. As soon as a new Government will come in Georgia Russia will start negotiations. The most important thing here is to make them take several compromise decisions on Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
Khvicha, cook, 42
“Both Georgians and Russians are Orthodox Christians, so I think the Church can play a big role in the normalization of relations. This will depend on the way the new Russian Patriarch will act.”
Nino, student, 21
“No mediators will help as long as Russia recognizes Abkhazia and Samachablo. Only after they cancel this and withdraw their soldiers can negotiations be conducted.”
Ramaz, musician, 36
“I think the best mediators will be the people themselves. We shouldn’t hate each other because of some politicians and their brutal ambitions”.
Manana, housewife, 45
“The best mediators between Georgia and Russia are the Orthodox Church and our Patriarch Ilia II. Last time he visited Russia they even withdrew their forces from the occupied territories. This was such a diplomatic success and will never be achieved by our politicians.”
Beso, doctor, 48
“Our Patriarch Ilia II is the best mediator between the two countries. I trust him. He is the best diplomat.”
Salome, student, 20
Maiko, nurse, 47
“International organizations can mediate this process. Only the EU or OSCE can make sure that Russia will take responsibilities and keep them.”
Davit, manager, 28
“I don’t think that mediators are really needed for that. As soon as a new Government will come in Georgia Russia will start negotiations. The most important thing here is to make them take several compromise decisions on Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
Khvicha, cook, 42
“Both Georgians and Russians are Orthodox Christians, so I think the Church can play a big role in the normalization of relations. This will depend on the way the new Russian Patriarch will act.”
Nino, student, 21
“No mediators will help as long as Russia recognizes Abkhazia and Samachablo. Only after they cancel this and withdraw their soldiers can negotiations be conducted.”
Ramaz, musician, 36
“I think the best mediators will be the people themselves. We shouldn’t hate each other because of some politicians and their brutal ambitions”.
Manana, housewife, 45
“The best mediators between Georgia and Russia are the Orthodox Church and our Patriarch Ilia II. Last time he visited Russia they even withdrew their forces from the occupied territories. This was such a diplomatic success and will never be achieved by our politicians.”
Beso, doctor, 48
“Our Patriarch Ilia II is the best mediator between the two countries. I trust him. He is the best diplomat.”
Salome, student, 20