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Zurab Gumberidze: 35% of Georgian-Azerbaijani borderline has not been coordinated

12 March 2007 13:21 (UTC +04:00)

Georgian ambassador confirmed that Georgia offered territory exchange concerning David Garadji

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary ambassador of Georgia to Azerbaijan Zurab Gumberidze interviewed by the APA

-What are you planning to do after your diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan ends? What was the level of bilateral relations when you started your mission in Baku and how do you appreciate the current state of bilateral relations?
-My mission ends on March 15. I will have a leave and then start my new occupation. My new job will cover Georgia-Azerbaijan energy sector. It was my wish to continue my activity on one of the important spheres, the embassy engaged. Azerbaijan becomes an important country, supplying Georgia with natural gas through the implementation of energy projects. Regulation of these problems, implementation of current projects, improvement of Azerbaijani business in Georgia and Georgian business in Azerbaijan will be one of my duties. I have been ambassador to Azerbaijan for 10 years. Georgia-Azerbaijan relations have been very good and improved since the embassy opened. Of course, much has been done for the development of these relations. Azerbaijan and Georgia, having close foreign policy and priorities, actively work in this sphere. Joint cooperation in the sphere of implementation of economic projects continues. It is enough to name them. We could implement TRACECA, an important program and Baku-Supsa, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum energy projects. An agreement has been signed on Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project recently. I would characterize our relations as dynamically developing and important relations from political strategic aspect.
-Which of these projects is more important? Will new transnational projects be implemented?
-We have already implemented three projects in energy sector. Complete implementation of Shahdeniz project is the priority for Georgia. We do not rule out cooperation with our northern neighbor in this sphere, as diversification brings advantages to Georgia. Of course functioning of Shahdeniz and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan at full capacity and Georgiaâ€™s bringing dividends as a transit country is very important for us. Baku-Supsa oil pipeline is one of the successful projects. Western direction is very important for us and if there is a great deal of oil it is possible to increase oil export in this direction. We have partners and friends in the Black Sea who can willingly buy this oil. We will also work on 500kw power line that will unite the three countries in energy sector. This project will increase stable activity of the energy sector of Azerbaijan and Georgia by joining European energy system. Alternative energy reserves, perspective of alternative routes are being discussed at present and in this respect our partners in Europe are assessing perspectives of our transit corridor and current projects. It can be revealed in increasing transportation of oil and gas to Europe through Turkey, implementation of new projects and involvement of new countries in this process. I consider that the time is approaching.
-What is the level of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Georgia? Are there any joint enterprises?
-The trade turnover was $410 million in 2006 and it is increasing. There are joint structures registered by individuals and legal entities of Georgia and Azerbaijan. This is just the beginning. Azerbaijan started making investments in Georgia in 2006. Azerbaijan bought the biggest oil terminal of Georgia in Kulevi. The new structure with participation of State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic â€“ SOCAR-Georgia was registered. Office of Azerbaijan National Bank opened in Georgia. This is a very important. Azerbaijan is becoming a mighty state from the aspect of financial potential and can participate in making investments in other regions and development of their infrastructure.
-There exist hot points in the territory of both countries. What are the similarities and differences of these conflicts?
-All conflicts, even Abkhazian and South Ossetian conflicts are different. But there are similarities between them. The similarities are: violation of territorial integrity, refugees, social problems and other problems. Both Azerbaijan and Georgia try to solve the problem peacefully, restore the territorial integrity and repatriate the refugees to the native lands.
-Georgian and Ukrainian presidents discussed deploying Ukrainian peacekeepers in hot points in Georgia. At what stage is the formation of GUAM peacekeepers and can they substitute present peacekeepers?
-There are peacekeepers in Georgia at present and they are functioning in Abkhazia under CIS mandate. Georgian leadership and people do not confide in them. The peacekeepers support one of the conflicting sides. There are settlements in the conflicting zones completely settled by Georgians, a part of them returned but they are defenseless.
Over 2000 people were killed after the operations ended in the territory. The peacekeeping forces should not have allowed it. A part of residents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are granted Russian passports. This contradicts law, the owners of the passports will themselves choose where they will live after the war is over. But this process arouses concern because some statements are made under the name of â€œDefense of Russian citizensâ€?. It is evident that there is no problem between Russia and Georgia. We raised the main issue before our neighbours to take active part in the solution of this problem. From objective point of view, the existence of Georgia should serve to the interest of Russia. We consider Russia can take active role in the solution of the conflicts in Russia. The issue on substitution of peacekeepers exists for a long time. Ukraine is ready to substitute these forces in case of legal solution of the problem. The presidents have already negotiated on this issue, but Georgia does not adopt any decision. But when speaking of GUAM, we expect this organization to establish its secretary and begin to active functioning. Just through secretary it is possible to implement considered plans. The secretary will function in Kiev and will coordinate GUAM to implement economic, political and humanitarian projects. Azerbaijan and Moldova can join if agreement is got on deploying peacekeepers in the territory.
-The meeting of the commission on demarcation and delimitation of Azerbaijani and Georgian borders has been held recently. How much territory has not been coordinated and is it true that Georgia proposed to exchange territory in the area where David Garadji cloister is situated in?
-Approximately 35% of the borders have not been coordinated yet. The sides have different approaches on some points, but some are waiting only for optimal solution. But when speaking of David Garadji cloister, yes, Georgia has this wish. The cloister is composed of some complexes and two of them are situated on the borders. This is not only historiral monument, but also it has great value for Georgia from religious point of view. This cloister is very important for religious men. This problem should be solved and I believe that Azerbaijani side will find the solution of the problem together with Georgian side.
-Does Georgian national minority have any problems in Azerbaijan?
-There are five villages in Gakh that Georgian minorities are living. They have appealed to allow for them to pray at St. Georgi church. I think this request has been taken into account. We try to find legal solution of some problems. For example in our country any person can get passport, but in Azerbaijan only over 16 age citizens can be granted passports. It turns out that, our compatriots can not go to Georgia to get education. But we solve this problem only by means Interior ministry and other state bodies.
- How are the land and education problems of Georgian Azerbaijanis solved?
-At present education reforms are being carried out in Georgian in Russian, Azeri and Georgian schools. From this point of view, it is important for Georgian Azerbaijanis to learn Georgian language in order to take active part in life of Georgian community. There are some general examinations for Azerbaijani students to give in Georgian language. This kind of problems exists and education ministry is engaged in solution of them. There is successful cooperation between Azerbaijani and Georgian Education ministries. Azerbaijan sends books for Azeri children and the same steps are taken by Georgia ministry too. The situation concerning land problems got enough better. There are some technical problems and they are solved gradually.
-When will Ahiska Turks be repatriated to their motherland?
-Georgia works out law and state program with the participation of group of international lawyers. The draft law is likely to be completed this year. We understand the problems and desires of Meskheti Turks. Nearly 100 000 Meskheti Turks live in Azerbaijan who were removed to Azerbaijan in 60-80s of last century and the ones that came in 90s. At present most of them are the citizens of Azerbaijan. We are grateful to Azerbaijan for creating these opportunities for the.
-Has the withdrawal of Russian military basis from Georgian territories completed?
-Not, yet. This process will be completed till 2008. A part of Russia servicemen are in Akhalkalaki and will leave Georgia till the end of this year. /APA/