THE ORDER OF THE SUMMANDS DOES NOT AFFECT THE SUM

The presidential election held in Georgia was marked by the fact that for the first time in the country's history, the head of state left the post after serving a full term in office and was replaced in an election. Kornely Kakachia, director of the Georgian Institute of Politics, shared with R+ his view on the future development of the country under the new president and relations with neighbouring Azerbaijan.

- The candidate from the ruling Georgian Dream coalition, Georgi Margvelashvili, gained a convincing victory in the presidential election held in Georgia. How do you see his forthcoming presidency, which will succeed Saakashvili?

- I guess there might be some change under his presidency as according to new constitutional amendments Georgia is transitioning from a presidential to a mixed parliamentary system, in which much power will lie with the office of the Prime Minister. So, accordingly, the new amendments will diminish the powers of the president and increase those of the prime minister, who becomes the head of the government, with the executive authority over domestic and foreign policy. Within these changes there is a hope that the political landscape will not be dominated by oversized personalities and a balance of power will be maintained.

- How will the results of the election affect the policy of Georgia in the South Caucasus?

- It's expected Georgia will not deviate much from its declared foreign policy priorities and will maintain pretty much the same balanced approach to regional issues. As the new government is seeking to turn down the temperature with Moscow and engage Russia on issues of common interest, it also considers that breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia. Hence, it's unlikely to reestablish any meaningful relations with Moscow until Russia reverses its recognition of their independence. So in short, Georgia will pursue its traditional policy aimed at maintaining regional stability in the South Caucasus.

- Under Saakashvili, Georgia and Azerbaijan strengthened the policy of strategic partnership. The two countries are connected by major energy and transport projects and regional security interests. How do you see the future of relations between Baku and Tbilisi under the new president of Georgia?

- Maintaining close relations with Azerbaijan has traditionally been part of Georgia's foreign policy strategy. Given the ongoing development of the bilateral relationship, which will soon encompass a variety of sectors including economic and military links, pragmatism is the trademark for Baku and Tbilisi, providing the foundation of a strong partnership. Due to this pragmatic approach, it's expected that Azerbaijan and Georgia will be able to maintain a high level of cooperation under the new Georgian president as well.

- Azerbaijan and Georgia have always supported each other on the issue of territorial integrity, including at international organizations. Can we expect this cooperation to continue under the new leadership of Georgia?

- Azerbaijan and Georgia's foreign and defence policies are usually in harmony, and areas of contention have been relatively few. These harmonized positions indicate that there is clear coordination, understanding and even strategy on joint positions at the international level, regarding the issue of frozen conflicts as well as other international issues. I think under the new leadership in Georgia this cooperation will be further strengthened.

- Saakashvili paid much attention to the problems of the 500,000 Azerbaijanis who are Georgian citizens. Do you expect any change in the ethnic policy of the new Georgian leadership? 

- I don't think that there will be any change in this regard. Georgia is a multinational state, building democratic institutions and forging a civic identity. Likewise, any Georgian government is expected to treat national minorities with special care, including its Azeri minority.