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Monday,
July 23,
2007, #138 (1405) “Bakradze is considered a more familiar face and has more contacts at the international level. Probably, the government wants to make use of those links to contribute to conflict resolution, also to try bringing more of the US and Europe into this process. Generally, of course it's the state’s policy that is decisive in conflict settlement, but hopefully Bakradze will play his minor role as well.” “Probably the government intends to initiate some policy change in this direction—maybe. Although they are in the habit of frequent reshuffling, so I no longer pay much attention to them.” “Who knows why Saakashvili did it. But ultimately, I don't think this will contribute to conflict resolution. I strongly believe that without Russia's will and our improved relations, this problem won't be settled.” “I don’t know. I am not good at predicting Saakashvili’s tricks. But to tell you frankly, I was surprised when Antadze was appointed to replace [former state minister for conflict resolution Goga] Khaindrava. As long as Saakashvili is our president, no one is guaranteed to keep their post. So ministers have to be cautious all the time.” “Maybe our president found Davit Bakradze more experienced and clever and able to regulate conflicts. That’s why he appointed him. It really doesn’t matter for me who the minister is in conflict resolution” “It really does not matter who the minister of conflict resolution is—Antadze or Bakradze. Ministers all do whatever Saakashvili wants. They are just pawns fulfilling his wishes. I don’t know why Saakashvili made this change. Maybe he wanted to have with him a younger minister more his age.” “The best minister for conflict resolution was Goga Khaindrava who really tried to reach some resolution, but the government got rid off him, because they could not control him like they wanted. Antadze was quite weak and that’s why he ‘resigned’. Bakradze is young and quite intelligent—more than Antadze was.” “Oh, they change ministers like clothes but I don’t think it makes a difference, because the conflict is not solved yet. There is nobody who is really strong and professional to appoint as a minister. I don’t know what kind of man Antadze is, but I think he is intelligent. I can’t say anything about Bakradze. We will watch his activities as minister and then decide.” “I think Bakradze is quite acceptable for this post, because he has enough skills. He is a very self-confident and educated person. I agree with the decision Saakashvili made. As for Antadze, I think as a minister he was weak and did not use his full potential.” |
Last week, President Saakashvili presented Davit Bakradze as the new State Minister for Conflict Resolution after Merab Antadze announced his resignation. Why do you think Saakashvili made the change? Do you think this was a good move? Do you think it matters who the head of the State Ministry is?