How will Saakashvili pay for Georgia’s accession to NATO? January 31, 2012 - 12:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama reportedly confirmed Georgia’s possible accession to NATO, thus making Georgian President’s desire to join the Alliance more feasible. Georgian leader Mikheil Saakashvili, in turn, thanked his American counterpart for support and intention to develop both economic and defense cooperation. How can this be explained? Prior to Saakashvili’s visit to the U.S., many experts noted the talks to focus on Georgia’s participation in possible military operation against Iran, expressing confidence for the Georgian President to provide the country’s territory is case of escalation of conflict with Tehran. The experts seem to have proved right. Saakashvili’s consent to provide Georgia’s territory in face of war with Iran in exchange for U.S. support looks true to fact. However, it is noteworthy than conflict settlement is a key demand for accession to the NATO at the time when Georgia still has unresolved conflict with Russia. Others are confident that Georgia is unable to extend military assistance to the U.S. is the latter launches offensive against Iran. Certainly, America stands ready to bomb Iran’s north from the South Caucasus territory; while, Armenia and Azerbaijan are unlikely to give their consent due to Russia’s influence in the region. Hence, Saakashvili paid quite a small price for his aspirations: “though we support you, we can hardly help.” Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |