2018年-查塔姆研究所_Georgia039s_New_Strategic_Approach_to_Conflict_Resolution_6页_126kb

Georgia's New Strategic Approach to Conflict Resolution Summary

Core Content

The document outlines Georgia's new strategic approach to conflict resolution with the occupied territories of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region (South Ossetia), titled State Strategy on Occupied Territories: Engagement through Cooperation. This strategy is a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting socio-economic development, people-to-people interaction, and the restoration of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Main Views and Key Points

Underlying Premise

• Engagement is essential: The Georgian government believes that isolating the occupied territories is tantamount to ceding them to Russia. Engagement is seen as a way to ensure the well-being of the local populations and to prevent further Russian influence.
• Security and status are not discussed: The strategy deliberately omits discussions on security and status, which are considered separate and must be addressed through international mechanisms like the Geneva talks.

Strategy Components

• Socio-economic development: The strategy includes areas such as health, trade, environment, and development. The goal is to make the populations of the occupied territories beneficiaries of the positive developments in Georgia.
• Integrated socio-economic zone: A key element is the creation of an integrated socio-economic zone, which requires facilitating cross-border movement and interaction. Currently, there are around 2000 daily crossings, primarily driven by economic incentives.
• Media and communications strategy: The government is promoting free internet access and providing free computers to schoolchildren. It also guarantees safe access for journalists from the occupied territories.

Autonomy and Status

• Autonomy within sovereign borders: The Georgian government is willing to offer as much autonomy as possible, but only within the framework of Georgia's sovereignty.
• Abkhazia's status: The government does not envision Abkhazia as an independent state, citing demographic and political challenges. It highlights the lack of a unified population and the dominance of Russian influence in the region.

Engagement and Bilateral Cooperation

• Transition from unilateral to bilateral: The strategy is seen as a step toward bilateral cooperation. While some Abkhaz officials initially viewed it as a Trojan horse, interest has grown over time.
• Pragmatic approach: The government is offering cooperation in four core areas: trade, health care, people-to-people exchanges, and infrastructure renewal.

International Reaction

• Russia's response: Russia criticized the strategy as being drafted by outsiders and labeled it as "genocide disguised as diplomacy." It has not engaged in serious dialogue with Georgia on the issue.
• Abkhazia's response: The population of Abkhazia showed more interest in the strategy compared to South Ossetia, likely due to the latter's more hostile environment and lack of trust in the Georgian government.

Implementation Examples

• Healthcare: Georgia is providing medical supplies and services, including insulin and Tamiflu, to Abkhazia. It also offers free, advanced treatment for diseases like HIV, TB, and Hepatitis C.
• Infrastructure: The Georgian government is working to restore infrastructure in the occupied territories, including sending copies of archives to Abkhazia.

Challenges and Concerns

• Political opposition: Some opposition figures have ignored the strategy, viewing it as a way to legitimize the current government.
• Russian interference: Russia continues to dominate the political landscape in the occupied territories, including in South Ossetia, where it is accused of misusing aid and obstructing trade.
• Security risks: The strategy emphasizes the need for an international mission to ensure security, as a military solution is not viable.

Conclusion

Georgia's strategy is centered on promoting engagement, cooperation, and development in the occupied territories, with the ultimate aim of restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The government is committed to a non-political, non-militaristic approach, focusing on soft power and smart power. While the strategy faces criticism and challenges, it represents a significant shift in Georgia's approach to conflict resolution and has the potential to improve the lives of people in the occupied territories and contribute to regional stability.