Could US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice’s visit change anything?
Thursday, July 10
“Of course it’s very important for a country like Georgia, when such an influential politician from such an influential country comes for talks. It’ll be minor changes though, because the same thing happened when an even more important politician, George Bush, visited Georgia.”
Giorgi, football player, 25
“Of course something will change—it may not be immediately obvious for everyone in society—but I’m sure that some important things will change, especially in terms of conflict issues.”
Nana, teacher, 37
“As long as Russia interferes in our affairs the US will not change anything. The best evidence of this is the NATO summit.”
Marina, doctor, 50
“I don’t think so. Bush’s visit didn’t change anything, so what can Rice do?”
Guram, professor, 48
“I really hope she’ll help us with something. At the least she could give some advice to Georgian officials, to not start a war, because that’s the worst thing that could happen.”
Khatuna, teacher, 41
“I think the fact that she is here will itself change something, but in general I don’t think much will change. Russia has a clear position and only war can change things.”
Goga, IT manager, 33
“Probably not. She’ll talk as all politicians do, then she’ll leave and Georgians will be left with the same problems.”
Ana, student, 22
“I think it’ll be a strong message to Russia that the West actively supports us and that they have to make some compromises.”
Kakha, driver, 42
“Visits are good, but talking changes little. It’s time for action now; we’ve been talking for too long.”
Mamuka, manager, 30
Giorgi, football player, 25
“Of course something will change—it may not be immediately obvious for everyone in society—but I’m sure that some important things will change, especially in terms of conflict issues.”
Nana, teacher, 37
“As long as Russia interferes in our affairs the US will not change anything. The best evidence of this is the NATO summit.”
Marina, doctor, 50
“I don’t think so. Bush’s visit didn’t change anything, so what can Rice do?”
Guram, professor, 48
“I really hope she’ll help us with something. At the least she could give some advice to Georgian officials, to not start a war, because that’s the worst thing that could happen.”
Khatuna, teacher, 41
“I think the fact that she is here will itself change something, but in general I don’t think much will change. Russia has a clear position and only war can change things.”
Goga, IT manager, 33
“Probably not. She’ll talk as all politicians do, then she’ll leave and Georgians will be left with the same problems.”
Ana, student, 22
“I think it’ll be a strong message to Russia that the West actively supports us and that they have to make some compromises.”
Kakha, driver, 42
“Visits are good, but talking changes little. It’s time for action now; we’ve been talking for too long.”
Mamuka, manager, 30