Interview with Salome Zurabishvili

Georgia's former Foreign Minister and opposition member Salome Zurabishvili told RT she believes the opposition will find it hard to present a real alternative to the country's current government.

Salome Zurabishvili:I believe Saakashvili has become weaker, just like any other leader who lost a war. And I think right now Saakashvili’s greater strength lies in the disorganised opposition. That is why we are determined to reorganise rapidly.

The opposition will reorganise itself in order to present a real alternative, and this is the wish of my colleagues too.  However, the possibility of achieving this is limited since Georgia is not democratic enough, so it would be difficult for the opposition. But when there is a will, there is a way, and with support of the people we can do this.

I am convinced that the new U.S. administration will fully support the independence and democracy of  Georgia but this support would probably be intended for a more truthful and creditable democracy than we have at present.

Moreover, it would be support for the state more than for a governing team; and this is good news for Georgia. I believe that the four partners – Russia, Georgia, the United States of America and Europe – have no alternative other than dialogue and communication.

Russia cannot determine which organisation an independent state should join.  I also hope the NATO decision to be taken next December will be more about the joining plan and not the joining itself. I do hope that this decision will be taken in accordance with the capabilities of Georgia. If Georgia qualifies, the decision must be taken, and if not, it is better to delay this decision.