GEORGIA: UPDATE ON THE CURRENT RUSSIAN DIPLOMATIC

C O N F I D E N T I A L TBILISI 001862

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/CARC AND GCG

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/06/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL CVIS RU GG
SUBJECT: GEORGIA: UPDATE ON THE CURRENT RUSSIAN DIPLOMATIC
PRESENCE IN TBILISI

Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOHN F. TEFFT FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)


1. (C) Although the Russian Embassy in Georgia officially
closed on September 3, 2008, a fairly sizable Russian
diplomatic presence remains in Tbilisi. According to press
reports, only the Russian consul, two vice-consuls, and a
small technical staff have remained behind. There is
actually a much larger presence, however, according to
Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief of the Russia
desk, Irakli Toronjadze (please protect). According to
Toronjadze, most Russian Embassy employees flew to Moscow on
a plane provided by the Russian Ministry of Emergency
Situations on October 2. Sixteen diplomats remain, six of
whom are consular officials. Toronjadze was not certain what
the names or functions of the remaining ten are or why they
are still in Georgia. An undetermined number of "technical
personnel" also remain. The term "technical personnel"
refers to employees serving in administrative and security
positions, much like Locally Engaged Staff except that these
are Russian citizens. Toronjadze said the Russian DCM,
Andrey Vasilyevich Smaga, would provide him a dip note with
the names, positions, and details of the remaining Russian
personnel within the week. Toronjadze claimed that Georgia
currently has nine diplomats in Russia, including the Charge
and other staff, six of whom are consular officers.


2. (C) According to Toronjadze, the Swiss Embassy will open
a Russian interests section. The interests section will be
located in the former Russian Embassy. The only difference
will be that there will be a Swiss flag flying on the flag
pole. Toronjadze expected to know the exact number of
Russian employees working in the interests section by October

16. Once the Georgian MFA learns how many Russian diplomats
will work in the Swiss interests section, they will
reciprocally station the same number of diplomats in the
Georgian Embassy in Moscow. Post will follow-up with more
detailed information as it becomes available.


3. (C) The Russian government's current consular services in
Georgia remain an enigma. Toronjadze was unaware of any
consular activities, but said he would look into the matter
and provide an answer as soon as he speaks with Smaga. Press
reports state Georgian citizens can receive Russian visas for
emergency situations and to see family members in Russia.
According to press reports, the Swiss Embassy stated it will
provide no consular or visa services on behalf of Russia
until the end of negotiations between all sides concerned.
On October 3 and again on October 6, Post tried calling the
former Russian Embassy's consular section to ask about visa
services for U.S. citizens. On both occasions, Post received
a constant busy signal.


4. (C) We heard one amusing anecdote about the continued
presence of the Russian Ambassador in Tbilisi. Ambassador
Kovalenko departed with the rest of the staff on October 2.
However, many were puzzled by his decision to remain in
Tbilisi the entire month of September, conducting low-profile
meetings and often being spotted around town. On October 4,
Georgian DFM Vashadze, who had stayed in touch with Kovalenko
in September, told the Ambassador that Kovalenko had been
eager to remain in Tbilisi after his Embassy had closed in
order to finish up some ongoing dental work. Presumably,
with his dental work completed, Kovalenko was ready to head
home when the main group of diplomats departed on October 2.
TEFFT