GEORGIA: REACTION TO U.S.-GEORGIA CHARTER

UNCLAS TBILISI 000042 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL GG SUBJECT: GEORGIA: REACTION TO U.S.-GEORGIA CHARTER ¶1. (SBU) Comment/Summary: The January 9 signing of the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership ("Charter") and its significance dominated weekend news coverage in Tbilisi. The GOG hailed the agreement as a positive step forward in the bilateral relationship, although noted that it should not be seen as quick fix to the issues facing Georgia. Several key opposition figures, both inside and outside of the Parliament including Christian Democrat leader Targamadze and former parliamentary speaker Burjanadze, commented positively on the charter; not surprisingly other opposition voices either downplayed its importance or offered technical criticisms. Noticeably absent was any public discussion as to the public policy impact of a strategic partnership with the United States. The weekend commentary showed once again support for close U.S.-Georgia ties is strong across the political spectrum. End Comment/Summary. Government Hails Agreement ¶2. (U) President Saakashvili hailed the agreement in a January 10 public statement, but stressed that there should be "no illusions that this document would solve Georgia's problems". Saakashvili singled out six main aspects which he said lend historic significance to the Charter: Georgia securing its place in the international system; Georgia approaching the Euro-Atlantic space; Georgian success on the road of democratic development; a new level for the U.S.-Georgian relationship; the overall public support for the Charter; and the enhancement of Georgia's economic importance. Saakashvili stressed that the Charter signifies the partnership between the countries and is not designed to support him personally, and that the change of U.S. administration will not effect U.S. foreign policy toward Georgia. ¶3. (U) Georgian Foreign Minister, Grigol Vashadze called the signing "a historic day for my country", adding that "(t)he Charter .. strengthens the close strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States". Vashadze continued saying the Charter "is something the Georgian nation has been aspiring to and something which will bring Georgia to the Euro-Atlantic structure." Notably, Vashadze commented that "... this document and our strategic partnership brings not only rights, but also obligations to Georgia to be a responsible ally, to be a democratic, open and liberal society." Vashadze also stressed that the Charter had the incoming U.S. administration's blessing as well. Deputy Foreign Minister Giga Bokeria noted that "the Charter is not directed against anyone, but is solely aimed at the development of Georgia." ¶4. (U) Political analyst Tornike Sharashenidze expressed optimism that the USA will help Georgia improve its defense capabilities. However, defense analyst, Koba Liklikadze, said the Charter was belated and it could have sent an important signal to Georgia's opponents had it been signed several years earlier. Political analyst Archil Gegeshidze said the Charter would help the development of Georgia's statehood, but Georgia's will and competence are of paramount importance for any future successes. Opposition Criticizes Saakashvili, Agreement, but Not Idea ¶5. (U) Kakha Kukava (Conservatives) said the Charter "is a conglomeration of meaningless phrases which we have been hearing for the past four years". Mamuka Katsitadze (New Rights) said the Charter is nothing more than a memorandum of intents and the U.S. "just replaced the verbal mode of communication with a written one". Former Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli says the "Charter is good but it will still not help this government". Disagreeing, Nestan Kirtadze Qnot help this government". Disagreeing, Nestan Kirtadze (Labor) said that Georgia "should not enter into any military blocs and the accord is a way for President Saakashvili to hold on to power". Tina Khidasheli (New Rights),Salome Zourabichvili (Georgia's Way),Petre Mamradze (Movement for Fair Georgia),Nino Burjanadze, and Giorgi Targamadze (Christian Democratic Movement) all lauded the Charter, but expressed the desire for more transparency leading up to the signing, and sought to play down public expectations of the "non-binding" document. The Labor Party was the only significant party to criticize the signing saying only that the document would only fuel "confrontation of super-powers in Georgia". TEFFT