Saakashvili: Russia demands Georgia’s return to CIS, entry into Customs Union, declaration of neutrality

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Saturday said Russia was making a series of political demands on an “isolated and weakened” Georgia, including a return to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), accession to the Customs Union and the immediate declaration of neutrality.

In a post on social media, Saakashvili wrote that while the ruling party’s decision to sign a document supporting Ukraine was a “positive” step, he disagreed with those who believe the move was driven solely by fear of an international chemical investigation.

“The situation is much deeper and, believe it or not, is aimed at irritating Russia,” Saakashvili stated.

According to him, recent messages from Moscow, including statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, indicate that the Kremlin “does not see grounds for restoring relations with Georgia”.

Saakashvili claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes Georgia’s ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili has deceived him and may not be wrong in that assessment.

“Ivanishvili did everything possible to please Russia within his capabilities – renounced the EU, kept me in prolonged captivity, announced an apology to the Ossetians, Tsulukiani blamed Georgia for the war, blocked cargo to Azerbaijan – but to no avail,” Saakashvili wrote.

He argues that Russia is now demanding, as a first step, the recognition of Abkhazia and the so-called South Ossetia, as well as the signing of official agreements with them.

In addition, Saakashvili says Moscow is demanding Georgia’s return to the CIS, accession to the Customs Union, the immediate declaration of neutrality, and the establishment of a Russian “anti-terrorist center” in Georgia. He added that there are two additional demands which he chose not to disclose.

“After Europe, the dictator decided to try to teach Russia a lesson as well,” Saakashvili wrote, warning that this approach poses serious risks for every Georgian citizen.