DAS BRYZA'S NOVEMBER 13 MEETING WITH GEORGIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L TBILISI 002812

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR DAS BRYZA & EUR/CARC

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL GG
SUBJECT: DAS BRYZA'S NOVEMBER 13 MEETING WITH GEORGIAN
DEFENSE MINISTER KEZERASHVILI


Classified By: Ambassador John F. Tefft, reason 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) Georgian Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili told EUR
DAS Matthew Bryza on November 13 he was concerned about a
Russian build-up of peacekeeping forces at Ochamchira in
Abkhazia, calling it a clear violation of the CFE treaty.
Kezerashvili said the MOD was going to share with Embassies a
video showing five newly-delivered T-72 tanks, artillery
equipment, and between 200-300 troops at the base.
Kezerashvili added he would not share the video with media
until the embassies had seen it and been given a chance to
react. Kezerashvili said the Russian Peacekeeping Forces
were also reinforcing checkpoints in Chkortali in South
Ossetia and two checkpoints in Gali. He said he feared this
build-up was preparation for a possible Russian response to
the anticipated declaration of Kosovo independence.


2. (C) Kezerashvili also said Russian leadership was making a
move during the 45-day period before the January 5 elections
because the Russians perceive Saakashvili as too weak to
react. He said the build-up of Russian tanks and artillery
equipment are a message from Russia. He said Georgia would
likely react in some way if the build-up is not stopped, but
denied any plans to re-integrate Abkhazia or South Ossetia by
force at this time. He felt that while Georgia's
international image is suffering, the Russians might be
encouraged by a muted international reaction to the build-up.
Kezerashvili emphasized he wants to send a message to Europe
that Georgia only wants Russia to withdraw the new troops and
equipment.


3. (C) Kezerashvili said he believes MAP is still possible,
but it will depend on how the elections went in January. He
could make no guarantee there wouldn't be another incident in
Abkhazia in the meantime. DAS Bryza told the Minister he
felt Georgia's chances for MAP suffered a serious blow during
the latest domestic crisis, but if Georgia can restore faith
in the electoral process and continue defense reforms, the
United States could resume a full push for MAP for Georgia.
Bryza emphasized his efforts with the Russians to avoid
further incidents in Abkhazia to discourage them from sending
more troops to Abkhazia. He also assured Kezerashvili that
the United States is pressing the Russians to stop the
"revolving door" of Russian Peacekeeping forces training
Abkhaz armed forces.


4. (C) Deputy Defense Minister Batu Kutelia offered a readout
of his briefing of the NATO allies in Brussels, saying NATO
did not react negatively to the Georgian plans to add a fifth
brigade to its armed forces. He said the brigade cannot be
created in two months, but hoped it would be fully
operational in one year, with part of it ready as early as
Spring 2008.


5. (U) DAS Bryza has seen this message.




TEFFT