DUSHANBE, August 13, 2008, Asia-Plus — Deputy Director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the Tajik President, Sayfullo Safarov, has expressed concern about Georgian president’s statement about Georgia’s secession the CIS.
“This statement does not reflect realities within the CIS area, and therefore, it is not of any importance for many CIS states,” said Safarov, “Moreover, I am sure this decision has been taken against will of the Georgian people.”
“Saakashvili himself has impeded efficient activities of the CIS and close interaction within the CIS area,” the expert said. “After a major offensive Saakashvili launched against South Ossetia and his people, his decision to quit the CIS may be welcomed.” Safarov noted, adding that the CIS does not need those who support terror and genocide.
Asked whether Ukraine will follow Georgia’s example, Tajik political scientist said, “Ukraine depends more on the countries of the region, especially Russia, and therefore, it is hardly probable that Ukraine will follow Georgia’s example.”
In the meantime, Russia’s Gazeta.ru cited Deputy Ukrainian Prime Minister, Alexander Turchinov, as saying that it is premature to discuss the possible withdrawal of Ukraine from the CIS.
International media reported that Georgian president Micheil Saakashvili yesterday told tens of thousands of people at a rally outside the country”s parliament that Georgia will quit the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and urged Ukraine to follow suit. Saakashvili said: “We have taken a decision, Georgia is quitting the CIS.”
