Tuesday, August 7, 2007, #149 (1416)

Vladimir Sanakoyev recently opened a campaign in South Ossetia called "Kokoity Fandarast," meaning "Farewell, Kokoity" in Ossetian. The campaign's goal is to peacefully get rid of Eduard Kokoity, Sanakoyev said. If you could say "fandarast" to one world political leader, who would it be and why?

"I would say, 'Saakashvili Fandarast.' I don't like his politics at all. Everything is being sold, and it's terrible."
Maia, nurse, 47

"I agree with Sanakoyev. Kokoity can go wherever he wants, but he must get away from us and Georgia. He's the only reason for the conflict in South Ossetia."
Zaza, lecturer, 37

"I'd say these words with great pleasure to Kakha Bendukidze [the State Minister for Reforms Coordination]. It's not worth it having him in our government. He's impolite and has no idea about politics. I can't stand him."
Keti, student, 20

"I really don't know. I would probably say this to many politicians, like Putin, for example. As for Georgian politicians, I would say it to many of our ministers."
Giorgi, student, 19

"So many leaders deserve to hear this. I think Putin deserves it, though I hope that in a year from now we won't be hearing 'Misha Fandarast.'"
Lika, economist, 31

"It's an interesting question, but I don't want to put blame on someone and demand that they leave their post. Sure, many politicians in Georgia-and the world-should be told to go, but I don't think it'll make any difference."
Tea, teacher, 45

"I find it difficult to choose just one. There are a bunch of them I would see off the post. Say, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his nuclear ambitions. Although to be honest it wouldn't be fair to point only at him, with other countries-irrespective of their size and importance-still maintaining the same destructive weapon."
Vano, IDP, 28

"Ok, let's imagine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, for all his dedication and supportive contribution to secessionist conflicts, and for undermining Georgian sovereignty. But I doubt this would help at all. His successor will probably preserve the tradition."
Niko, foreign language specialist, 27

"The same: the separatists Kokoity and Bagapsh. I just doubt their political leadership skills. But putting them into the context of 'world leaders' is doing them far too much credit."
Jiko, unemployed, 26


Site Meter
© The Messenger. All rights reserved. Please read our disclaimer before using any of the published materials.