DUSHANBE, August 27, 2008, Asia-Plus — Recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Russia is a logical continuation of the issue of settlement of the Caucasian conflict, Tajik political scientist Sayfullo Safarov said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
He stressed that the present situation has not yet been solved. “Taking into account violation of an agreement with Russia and aggressive actions of Saakashvili against the Ossetian people, I consider Russia’s position correct and adequate response to violence and use of policy of dual standards,” Safarov said, referring to “unfounded military aggression of the United States against Iraq and recognition of independence of Kosovo by the western states.”
“Although Saakashvili has justified his action as reestablishment of constitutional order, the facts show that it was genocide,” Tajik expert said.
According to him, use of force against other nations in defiance of international agreements should be decidedly condemned. “This issue has historical roots and yesterday’s decision of Kremlin has given people of South Ossetia and Abkhazia to gain independence, and yesterday’s exultancies in Tskhinvali and Sukhumi are evidence of that fact that Russia acted correctly.”
“So far, another international norm – territorial integrity of Georgia – has been taken into account, while it is at variance with another norm – the right of nations to self-determination, which is today condemned by the Western countries,” the expert said.
He further added that Russia had been waiting for correct solution of this issue on the bass of preservation of territorial integrity of Georgia for 15 years, however, Saakashvili had not appreciated that position and “Russia had been forced to support implementation of the second principle of international law.”
On reaction of the CIS states to this issue, Safarov said that the countries that are partners of Russia should support its position without unnecessary emotions, thereby acting against war and use of coersive methods in international policy.
“I think member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should support Russia’s position,” said Safarov. “However, there are CIS states, which are not interested in supporting such position. Tajikistan as strategic partner of Russia and member nation of the CIS, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), SCO and the Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC) should support Russia’s position.”
