WikiLeaks – Georgia Almost Left EU Eastern Partnership Program

If Belarus had recognized independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgia would have left the EU Eastern Partnership Program. The new materials released by the WikiLeaks states that in September of 2009, President Mikheil Saakashvili stated about it during his meeting with Tina Kaidanow, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.

Telegram sent from the US Embassy in Tbilisi to Washington states that Saakashvili started the meeting with expressing his concern about recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Venezuela which could encourage other states to make similar decisions.

“He said Belarus is on the edge of making similar decision and added that he hoped the West would act promptly in order to prevent similar decision of Belarus. Kaidanow told Saakashvili that Belarus is not consistent and predictable in its decision; though she promised the USA will do its best to prevent general process of recognition; and they will discuss the concrete issue of Belarus with European officials,” the telegram reads.

According to the same document, Saakashvili seemed to be less worried about recognition of the independence of Sokhumi and Tskhinvali by African states. “He told Kaidanow that if Belarus decides to recognize [the break-away regions], Georgia will no longer cooperate with Belarus in the framework of the recently launched Eastern Partnership Initiative of the EU. In case of recognition, EU would not have expelled Belarus from the Eastern Partnership Program and Georgia would have to leave it. Kaidanow suggested Saakashvili to launch new coordination with the EU and not to take hasty measures that could be counter-productive and harmful for Georgia’s relation with the EU,” the telegram reads.

Interpresnews