Iran can use Georgia's vulnerability if Saakashvili continues pushing pro-West policyJuly 9, 2008 - 17:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - During past several years, relations between Iran and Georgia tensed periodically over a number of foreign-policy circumstances. However, they remained unnoticeable and never transformed into open confrontation, according to an Armenian expert. "With Mikhail Saakashvili coming to power, Tbilisi and Tehran have experienced various political and diplomatic problems," Eduard Abrahamyan, director of Mitq analytical center, writes in "Current stage of Iranian-Georgian" article. "The latest scandal burst out when Georgia, demonstrating its devotion to the United States, detained members of Iranian diplomatic mission in January, accusing them of holding nuclear talks with Russia in the Georgian territory. At that time, official Tehran urged immediate release of its citizens and threatened Georgia with de jure recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia's independence," the article says. "Another factor is delivery of Iranian gas to Georgia. Iran can take advantage of Georgia's vulnerability if Saakashvili goes on pushing pro-West policy. Investment agreements can also be used as a tool of pressure. In aspiration to engage in resolution of conflict in the Caucasus, Iran can watch the issue in the light of U.S. increasing U.S. influence and its allies in Georgia and Azerbaijan," it says. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia named European U18 chess vice-champion The U18 chess team of Armenia won the title of vice-champion of the European Team Championship. Iran says change in presidency won’t affect ties with Armenia Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani made the remarks when speaking to reporters at the Iranian Embassy. Congress draft bill condemns Azerbaijan for Karabakh ethnic cleansing The bill condemns Azerbaijan for perpetrating ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. MEPs issue statement to defend Armenia-France military cooperation The deputies emphasized that having an army armed with combat and modern military equipment is the sovereign right of any country. |