Bidzina Ivanishvili's plan to restore Georgia's territorial integrity
By Malkhaz Matsaberidze
Monday, October 14, 2024
Ahead of the parliamentary elections, one of Bidzina Ivanishvili's main promises is to restore the country's territorial integrity through peaceful means. For this, he is asking for a constitutional majority in the parliament to make the necessary changes to the constitution. However, no details have been provided about what changes are being proposed, and the opposition suspects that Georgian Dream and its honorary chairman are acting under Russia's instructions and plan to recognize the "independence" of the Russian-occupied territories.
Upon Ivanishvili's third return to politics, several pro-government commentators hinted that he came back to politics to restore the country's territorial integrity. As the election campaign intensified, Ivanishvili indeed began speaking on this topic, claiming that Georgian Dream needs a constitutional majority to restore the country's territorial integrity and make the necessary changes to the constitution. However, neither he nor other Georgian Dream leaders have specified what those changes would be. Meanwhile, Russia and the puppet authorities of the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia have made mocking comments about Ivanishvili's plans.
For instance, Russian Duma member Konstantin Zatulin stated that the train for Georgia's territorial restoration "has long passed" and that there will be "no return of Abkhazia or South Ossetia" to Georgia. He added that Russia would not pressure these regions in any way and would not back down from recognizing their "independence." Similar statements were made by the puppet regimes of Sokhumi and Tskhinvali, who also reaffirmed that they have no intention of giving up their "independence," and Russia's position remains unchanged on this matter. Georgian Dream has ignored these comments, refraining from making any response.
On the other hand, representatives of Georgian Dream were pleased with a statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who said Moscow was ready to help Georgia "normalise relations" with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgian Dream Secretary General and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze was the first to comment on this statement, followed by other party representatives echoing similar sentiments.
However, Georgian Dream commentators failed to address Lavrov's full statement. Lavrov referred to Abkhazia and "South Ossetia" as independent states and mentioned that Moscow would help with normalisation efforts only if these "countries" were interested.
The opposition interpreted Lavrov's statement as open support for Georgian Dream ahead of the elections and saw it as confirmation that Russia and Georgian Dream were acting in concert. While Georgian Dream talks about restoring the country's territorial integrity, Lavrov's statement was presented as hopeful, as though Russia might somehow assist in this process. Yet, Lavrov's message contained nothing new; he simply reiterated Russia's position since the August 2008 war. According to him, Georgia must recognize Sokhumi and Tskhinvali as independent states and sign non-aggression pacts with them, while Russia would act as a mediator. The opposition has argued that Russia cannot serve as a mediator because it is an occupying force. They fear that Georgian Dream plans to execute the Russian plan, which would divide the country.
Former Prime Minister and leader of the party For Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, stated that discussing Georgia's territorial integrity behind closed doors and keeping citizens uninformed is unacceptable. Gakharia demanded Ivanishvili answer three key public questions:
1. In what form and under what conditions do they plan to restore Georgia's territorial integrity?
2. What constitutional changes are they seeking a parliamentary majority for?
3. In the context of growing tensions with the West, how do they plan to maintain the policy of non-recognition?
Georgian Dream has not responded to these questions, but opposition criticism was so strong that some party representatives, while commenting on Lavrov's statement, demanded that Russia take appropriate steps, including withdrawing its forces from Georgian territory.
In the little time left before the elections, it is unlikely that the situation will change. Georgian Dream will continue discussing the restoration of territorial integrity without specifying any details, and Moscow might make some "warm" statement about starting negotiations. If Georgian Dream stays in power after the elections, steps may be taken toward "normalisation" according to the Russian plan.