The Republic of Georgia is situated in the southern Caucasus at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is inhabited by people of various nationalities and faiths. There are more than fifty nationalities in the Caucasus. They speak Iberian-Caucasian languages, such as Kartvelian, Abkhazian, Adigean, Nakhian, and Daghestani ; Indo-European languages, such as Russian, Ukrainian, Armenian, and Iranian language groups; and Altaic languages, such as Turkish, Azerbaijani, and others. The peoples of the Caucasus practice a number of different religions. The majority of Georgians and Abkhazians, Russians, Ukrainians, and Armenians are Christians. The remaining nationalities are largely Muslim. Some Daghestanis are Shiite Muslims, others, including some Abkhazians, Ossetians, and Georgians are Sunni Muslims. There are also Jewish communities in Georgia.

     The Caucasus has always been inhabited by people diverse in ethnic origin and religion, who together formed a united Caucasian culture. History and geography have linked Georgians, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, and North-Caucasian peoples. Christian culture first developed in Georgian and Armenian languages centuries ago. The best traditions of Muslim culture found their way to Azerbaijan and North Caucasus. For example, the interest of linguists in centuries-old traditions of Arabic language in North Caucasus is reflected in numerous treatises on literature, philosophy, astrology, etc.

     When we speak of Caucasian culture, we should recall the expression, “The Culture of Near Asian Peoples.” This culture of Near Asian peoples was formed by Christians, Muslims, and a large group of diverse ethnic groups, such as Georgians, Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Arabs, Persians, Turks, Assyrians, and others. This united Near Asian Culture, which was formed over centuries, unites peoples and reflects the spiritual values of these various nations. Today this unity must be emphasized, while each nation’s individual culture is presented as a priceless piece of the larger culture.

     From a regional perspective, Georgia’s geopolitical location is of utmost significance. On the south it borders Turkey, a member of NATO, and to the north and east it borders Russia. To the south of Georgia is Armenia, a Christian country, albeit of a different faith from Georgian Orthodoxy. To the southeast Georgia borders Azerbaijan, a traditionally friendly country.

     Access to the Black Sea provides Georgia with a real advantage in comparison to other Transcaucasian and Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union. For these republics, as well as for Iran, the shortest and technically least difficult routes for transit (i.e., those without serious mountain passes) lie through Georgia to its seaports of Poti and Batumi. Georgia pins its hopes on the income from these transit routes and the consequent restructuring of its economy. Naturally, real benefits could be achieved only after long-term political stabilization in Georgia has been achieved. Equally important would be Russia’s acceptance of Georgia’s political and economic independence, allowing the country to initiate such changes without the fear of Russian intervention.

     Georgia is comprised of two Autonomous Republics—Abkhazia and Ajaria—both on the Black Sea coast. In the eastern part of the country there is South Ossetia (Samachablo). The country is also divided into small administrative territorial units. During the Soviet era, the coastal region of Georgia’s autonomous republic of Abkhazia was the main connecting hub between Russia and the Caucasus republics, namely Georgia and Armenia. The disruption of this connecting hub, resulting from the separatist movement in Abkhazia, has had a destructive impact on the economic and financial health of the Caucasus.

     The crisis in Abkhazia has entered its tenth year and is a result of the separatist war of 1991-1993. Thousands of refugees who fled Abkhazia still linger in temporary housing. The U.S. State Department has issued official statements calling for the resolution of the crisis. Prudent re-activation of commercial links through Abkhazia, is considered by Georgia to be one of the options for resolution of the Abkhazian conflict. The prospect of connecting the port of Novorossisk—the main oil outlet of Russia—to Baku-Supsa, or Baku-Tbilisi-Jeyhan pipelines, via Abkhazian routes, is one of the most promising developments in this direction.

     The Georgian Government strongly insists on the demand that only after launching the return of Georgian refugees to Abkhazia’s Gali region can the talks about commercial and economic normalization, including a railway connection, begin. Synchronizing the issue of restoration of the railway connection with the return of refugees is the key in resolving the festering problem. The Georgian government has demanded repeatedly that the refugees be allowed to return to their homes.

     The international significance of the Abkhazian problem was demonstrated by the active participation of the personal representative of the U.S. President, Ambassador Rudolf Perina, at the Kiev summit. Ambassador Perina stated his concern about the presence of Russian peacekeepers in Abkhazia. However, he refused to declare the need for the termination of Russian military presence in the region.

     The interest and the involvement of the international community in Georgia are increasing, and there are multifaceted development opportunities for the country. The best example of these economic opportunities is provided by the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Jeyhan oil pipeline, which will play an important role in the growth and development of Georgia’s economy. The project, which enjoys strong support from the U.S. government, has highlighted Georgia’s role in reestablishing East-West commercial and economic links. The expansion of the Georgian economy is, however, dependent on the emergence of a transparent, corruption-free, business environment. Assisting small and medium business development projects is one of the key factors for ensuring economic and political stability in the country. The development of an East-West energy corridor can also help Georgia to ensure its national security by enjoying military support and economic cooperation from the United States and the European Union. Finally, the promotion of new legislation, and in particular, a new taxation system would contribute to the growth of a healthy economic environment in Georgia.

     Georgia has established close military cooperation with the United States. Last year, the United States “Train and Equip Program” began in Georgia. A group of American military personnel arrived in Tbilisi on May 18, 2002 to assist the Georgian army with the creation and training of quick reaction forces. The U.S. advisors and trainers were scheduled to begin a two-month program on May 27, 2002 to improve the logistic and strategic skills of Georgian officers. On May 20, 2002, officers from the European Union also visited Georgia in the framework of U.S. military assistance to Georgia with the objective of training antiterrorist military groups. The training of the special Georgian forces by U.S. instructors continues today. Georgia also hopes to join NATO and it is committed to do everything in its power in order to fulfill this historic mission. The Georgian government is well aware that its admission to NATO depends on the success of the “Train and Equip Program.” As we speak, four Georgian divisions are receiving training within the context of a two-year program. These divisions will be able to fulfill operational tasks of light, alpine, and mechanized infantry.

     The underlying approach of Georgia’s President Eduard Shevardnadze is captured in his motto, “The struggle for the peaceful Caucasus.” All governments and every nationality in the Caucasus region support this objective. Peace, stability, and security will provide the Caucasus region with the possibility of establishing new ties with their Central Asian and Middle Eastern neighbors. The revival of the Silk Road will not only help the Caucasian republics to develop their economic structures, but it will also re-establish their political, economic, and cultural links with Central Asian states.