"Armenia made a terrible mistake by occupying Karabakh" Caliber.Az from Tbilisi

Caliber.Az had an interview with Georgian publicist and historian Gaioz Mamaladze.

- What else does Europe expect from Georgia to accept it into the EU?

- Europe is expecting normal democratic behavior from Georgia. At the same time, I think the United States is a strategic partner for Georgia. Europe itself should understand that we are a small country and that part of our territories is under occupation.

Georgia needs partners who will understand it. Tbilisi, in turn, will always be on the side of Europe from a geopolitical and geo-economic point of view.

- Is the EU's decision to postpone consideration of Georgia's application until December dictated by political motives? For example, Tbilisi's refusal to open a second front against Russia, as the expert community says.

- No one demanded Georgia open a second front and start a war against Russia. Georgia does not have the resources to start such a war. As for Ukraine, the EU should have accepted it right away. And now, if this war is not stopped, other countries will be involved. And Georgia, of course, should have been given candidate status, it deserves it.

- And what is Georgia doing to join NATO?

- It is very difficult to accept Georgia into NATO, it actually means starting a war with Russia. After all, the Alliance helps countries strengthen their defenсe capabilities.

- The other day it was announced that Russia could become Georgia's leading oil exporter. Is there any concern that this could make your country even more dependent on Moscow?

- Yes, of course. Besides, our neighbors Azerbaijan and Iran are energy exporters. We have no problem with Iran, it is not as dangerous for mankind as Russia is. So, the economic dependence on Russia is not at all beneficial for Georgia.

If more gas is exported from Baku, it will definitely pass through our territory, which is very profitable for us. If our countries stick together, we will have fewer energy problems and you will have more financial benefits.

- What kind of impact has the Russian-Ukrainian war had on Georgia?

- First of all, the moral impact. When children are dying just because some people want to create "USSR-2.0", it is very hard on the soul. When Russia attacked us, we kept telling the world that it had to be stopped, but nobody believed us. And there are still politicians who do not understand that Moscow's aspirations must be thwarted. I hope, however, that the truth will win out.

- How do you assess Tbilisi's relations with Ankara and Baku?

- It is positive. Both Baku and Ankara are not only our neighbors but also our economic partners. Azerbaijan is our long-standing partner. Suffice it to mention the grandiose Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the implementation of which united Georgians and Azerbaijanis.

- In your opinion, what is the likelihood of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan?

- This peace treaty will definitely be signed. The territorial integrity of each country must be preserved. Armenia made a terrible mistake by occupying Karabakh. Wars cannot subdue the territories of others, and Russia will not succeed in this. This violates the world order.

- How do you see the outcome of the Russian-Ukrainian war?

- I hope that this war will end soon - Russia will leave the foreign territories, conclude an agreement with its neighbors and move in a peaceful way. This will be a good thing for the Russian people.