“First Armenian News and Analysis” had an interview with one of the leaders of “Georgian Dream- Democratic Georgia” party, member of “Georgian Dream coalition Zakharia Kucnashvili.
To the question whether the victory of “Georgian Dream” was expected. Mr. Kucnashvili answered it was not only expected but they took efforts to make it real. “It is the result of the struggle of Georgians for justice. We have been building an independent country for many years, but there was no case when the authorities changed through elections. People are really celebrating their freedom from Saahakashvili’s regime.” – he said
Mr. Kucnashvili was asked to elaborate the program of their coalition especially on Armenia’s account, meaning what will be the policy of “Georgian Dream” towards Armenia. “We aim at developing mutual relations. The development of Armenia is a help for Georgia and vice versa. Thus, our goal is to develop cooperation and establish economic-commercial ties.
“First Armenian News and Analysis” raised the issues of Armenian community in Georgia, namely the ones referring to language, schools, and churches. Georgian politician was asked to present the program of solving them. “It is a very complicated issue. Though Armenian community does have its schools, but there are still unsolved questions. We are likely to negotiate with the community and improve what we have. Certain solution is hard to give, but we are determined to improve the quality of education in Georgia including Armenian schools.
To the observation that that talks are going around that their coalition is going to review relations with Georgia, Kucnashvili replied: “We don’t hide our plans to smoothen the relations through peaceful and just way. We think that Georgia needs relations with Russia. The accumulated problems are to be solved.
The reporter of “First Armenian News and Analysis” noted that Georgia has chosen Azerbaijan as its strategic partner in the region and thus asked whether this fact will be reviewed. “We are not apt to strictly change our foreign policy. The document signed by our parliament on foreign policy needs to be reviewed. We may preserve friendly relations both with Armenia and Azerbaijan. We don’t see contrast here.”- concluded Kucnashvili
