Georgia has in its modernization project focused on becoming what is called "rule of law" country. In itself it is not necessarily bad, but in Georgias case it has become so. A big problem is that "all" western countries wanted them to become it, and is standing behind it, because, as is true, that you have dealt with "street" crimes, now when it is safe to travel to Georgia and to stay there, business is blooming. A critique must therefore be made towards western interests who support the system in Georgia because it protects foreign investments in the country. Foreign investment is important for you, and it is important for it, to be protected. But both sides of this could be taken care of, without the system now in place. Hence, an appology to Georgians is necessary.
I have major critique of my own country to bring forth. We have a governmental organization in place, NorLag, to help your government becoming "rule of law". Our advice has not been good enough when the result is as it is. I also appologize for the lack of critique we have given your regime, this of cours, because we are guilty, protecting ourselves. As a norwegian journalist, Ragnar Skre, puts it, "our hard fate community". He has written alot about Georgia, and he is very critical of what Norway has done, or the lack of it.
The appology from the west (I am not Norway, nor any other western country, but live here, and feel we should appologize) should be from many countries for lack of critique. Norway is just the example, but the appology is also, but not restricted too, the lack of critique from our ambassador, he should have been out when the wrongs were done, always. Also Norway has had a place on Human Rights Council of UN, there has been a few countries criticising you there, but we should have spoken up, which we didn't do. I am sorry.
I want to go on and congratulate you, Georgia. The Georgian people has been out now, for a week. There are hunger strikes, there a speeches, there are blogs, facebook is big, but most of all BIG DEMONSTRATIONS for a week in Tbilisi. Congratulations for your stamina, congratulations on your fight. We are with you, we watch you, and we notice that you refuse to give up, perfect!
As the picture shows, you want a democracy, you realize it is going the wrong way. And you are fighting for it. It also shows how many are out, this is a recent picture (from today or yesterday). The biggest congratulation is for the students organizing all this, even though some of them get arrested, and it is not safe, it is going on every day, keep going, is all I can say.
Georgia do need a wake-up call, however. Your reputation is diminishing. You have been praised and looked too by many countries. We have been surprised, proud and happy for your development, the progress that afterall has been made. But your support and your acceptance is disappering quickly now, with these things. There has been written many articles on how your President has gone from a democratic revolution, wanted by the people, to force himself on you, for the future. Italian Ambassador in Tbilisi warns, "no one is anointed for life". But Misha still have changed the law, taken a Putin all westerners say, to give the power from the Presidency, which he can't seek anymore, to prime minister, which he can be appointed. SCARY! for Georgians, the world is laughing at it. You who are anti Russia, is doing exactly as Russia, SHAME!
A proffessor at Columbia University in USA has said, in Washington we no longer view Georgia as a democracy. Norwegian media has written, now that it was election in Belarus, that Lukhasjenko of Belarus is Europes last dictator, but has gotten heavely competition from Ukrain and Georgia, that also wants/tries/have forces working for, dictatorship. Sad :( But this is the reality. Europe is about to turn their back on you, media worldwide is criticizing you, and people are laughing at Georgia. This must be changed. Hopefully it will, already, after 1st October! But keep up the protests! Demand better!
At the end, a warning. What will this result in? Well, of course it can lead to fewer investments, and withdrawel of the investments already there. It can lead to lower salaries, more poverty and hunger. It can put you in a situation where you can ONLY go to Russia. But this is long long term.
In the short term? Well, me for one, is on the fence, should we stop pressuring our politicians, should we stop supporting Georgia. Should we go out and take a stand AGAINST Georgia? I think the popular opinion will change quickly to that, which is, to say, Georgia must not get EU negotiations, Georgia must not be allowed into NATO, and Georgia should not get liberal visa regulations to west, because it is a dictatorship. You could be left alone, all alone, and it could, yet again, become dark in Georgia. I hope not, but if you will not win your fight against the bad system, my opinion will change to this. But I do have hope, I belive in these demonstrations, it is just a warning...
Ingen kommentarer:
Legg inn en kommentar