04-04-2013, 10:29 AM
Another mentioning Gomelauri;
What did John (Malkhaz) Shalikashvili advise Georgia with regard to Russia and Stalin
John (Malkhaz) Shalikashvili: “Russia is a force that should be surely considered. My advice would be not to remember bad things only! Remember that there were many good things between two of you as well… I know your grief… I know that you were often hurt, but let’s think about tomorrow. You shall definitely find a key to Russia. Be sure that no one will help you as much as they will. It will be hard for you to stand on your own feet independently…”
The North Atlantic Defense Coalition was established on April 4, 1949. The idea for its establishing was that none of the western European countries in case of a war could defend itself independently from the attack of the Soviet Union and therefore, it was necessary for them to get united into the coalition called in short NATO.
As per the NATO treaty: “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area”.
NATO’s area of action was spread over the European countries of the coalition, Turkey, the Mediterranean Equatorial, Northern America and Northern Atlantics. In 1955, following enrollment of German Federative Republic in NATO, the opposite military-political coalition in face of Warsaw Agreement was established the same year.
Neither of coalitions trusted each other and were rapidly arming themselves. They were using all means to weaken each other and increase their influence in any point of the world and this confrontation in 60-ies of the last century was almost transferred into a new world war.
In case of war between the parties, as per assumption of the Soviet military intelligence, it was expected to have 180-210 units of 50kt air nuclear attack directed towards Transcaucasia: 8-9 on Tbilisi, 2-5 on other cities and, of course, on other important objects as well. This option was always considered during the army and front command-staff trainings of Transcaucasia military districts at the initial stage. The world already has a good understanding of what use of nuclear weapon or explosion or damage of nuclear reactor results in - 100 of thousands people were killed or got sick.
It is not difficult to imagine what would have happened in the country, if one or two nuclear bombs were thrown at Georgia. No one should have an illusion that in case of war (if we become a NATO member country), we will be able to avoid a nuclear attack.
What do we gain from becoming a NATO member? Can we resolve our most painful problem via enrollment into this organization – restoration of territorial integrity?
Who promises this? First we shall clarify whether Georgian population wants to enroll in NATO. The question was raised during 2008 presidential elections – “Would you welcome Georgia’s enrollment in NATO? 77% of total number of electorate answered negatively. (53% of total number of electorate participated in election, 30% of them were against - 47%+30%+77%).
If we will consider the fact that populations of Abkhazia and South Ossetia did not participated in this survey, this figure would have been more impressive. i.e. it comes out that majority of Georgian population did not support the idea of enrollment in NATO. So, who needs this?
Those politicians that are doing their best to enroll the country in this organization, do not guarantee anyhow restoration of territorial integrity. On the contrary, their interviews, newspaper and magazine articles and TV speakings leave the impression that they are accustomed to existence of independent Abkhazia and South Ossetia and are ready to enroll the remaining part of Georgia in coalition. They do not see other way how to enroll in the coalition. The question arises: will we be enrolled in this organization due to unsettled borders with neighboring countries and difficult situation created in the country? No way, since enrollment of Georgia in NATO under such conditions will create problems to this organization itself. Or, may be, we are not interested in how the neighboring countries will look at enrollment of Georgia in the military-political coalition without considering their interests? How thousands of our citizens with Azeri and Armenian nationality will act in case of war between Azerbaijan and Armenia?
Such modeling of situations is not in favor of country’s enrollment in NATO. Georgia’s enrollment in coalition will result in even more kindling distrust towards this organization that is not favorable for this coalition. It is much more important for them to settle normal relations with Russia rather than Georgia’s enrollment in NATO.
If we take into account the fact that uninterrupted supply of energy resources to Europe both in times of peace and war has a vital importance, then it will not be difficult to guess that a neutral Georgia in much more acceptable for Europe, our direct neighbors, countries of Middle East and Central Asia, rather than a country enrolled in the military coalition. And what is even more important: the status of neutrality is the most acceptable for Georgia. This is when is becomes more attractive and this is when the possibility of country’s unification becomes a reality.
It is quite possible that via intelligent and smart politicians of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia new referendums will be conducted regarding unification, the results of which will be necessarily recognized by Russia as well.
Let’s not forget that nothing is constant and that the life is subject to changes. Back in 1975 the European countries (except for Albania), the United States and Canada signed an agreement in Helsinki, according to which the integrity of borders established in Europe was confirmed. Back then the world recognized two German states and independent western Berlin. Today Germany is a united country and its capital is Berlin.
And if we remember the history, Russia’s invasion in Transcaucasia united separated principalities and brought Samtskhe-Javakheti and Adjaria back to our motherland. The nation maintained its language, religion, traditions and customs, the population started to live peacefully, multiplied, the villages strengthened, cities developed.
At the end of the article, I would like to remind a reader the words that John (Malkhaz Shalikashvili, a United States Army General who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said as regard to relations with Russia. In response to famous journalist’s, Merab Beradze’s question: “Shall Georgia necessarily have good relations with Russia?”, the General replied: “Of course. I have repeatedly said this not only here in Georgia… Russia is a force that should be surely considered. My advice would be not to remember bad things only! Remember that there were many good things between two of you as well… I know your grief… I know that you were often hurt, but let’s think about tomorrow. You shall definitely find a key to Russia. Be sure that no one will help you as much as they will. It will be hard for you to stand on your own feet independently…” And another advice: “I do not think it is correct to assess Stalin’s role on my side and note his merit. One thing in obvious: whether we want this or not, like this or not, Stalin was a special, lofty person in the whole world. And my advice to Georgians would be to care about how to remember him and not to forget.”
Merab Beradze, “John (Malkhaz) Shalikashvili”, Tbilisi, 1998 year
“It is regretful that today these advices are not “in fashion” today.
Alexander Tolstoy
P.S. I would like to express my gratitude towards Merab Bekaradze, Valerian Gomelauri, Levan Dolidze, Givi Lephonava for assisting in preparation of this article.
Note that all of this date well after July 2011.
What did John (Malkhaz) Shalikashvili advise Georgia with regard to Russia and Stalin
John (Malkhaz) Shalikashvili: “Russia is a force that should be surely considered. My advice would be not to remember bad things only! Remember that there were many good things between two of you as well… I know your grief… I know that you were often hurt, but let’s think about tomorrow. You shall definitely find a key to Russia. Be sure that no one will help you as much as they will. It will be hard for you to stand on your own feet independently…”
The North Atlantic Defense Coalition was established on April 4, 1949. The idea for its establishing was that none of the western European countries in case of a war could defend itself independently from the attack of the Soviet Union and therefore, it was necessary for them to get united into the coalition called in short NATO.
As per the NATO treaty: “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area”.
NATO’s area of action was spread over the European countries of the coalition, Turkey, the Mediterranean Equatorial, Northern America and Northern Atlantics. In 1955, following enrollment of German Federative Republic in NATO, the opposite military-political coalition in face of Warsaw Agreement was established the same year.
Neither of coalitions trusted each other and were rapidly arming themselves. They were using all means to weaken each other and increase their influence in any point of the world and this confrontation in 60-ies of the last century was almost transferred into a new world war.
In case of war between the parties, as per assumption of the Soviet military intelligence, it was expected to have 180-210 units of 50kt air nuclear attack directed towards Transcaucasia: 8-9 on Tbilisi, 2-5 on other cities and, of course, on other important objects as well. This option was always considered during the army and front command-staff trainings of Transcaucasia military districts at the initial stage. The world already has a good understanding of what use of nuclear weapon or explosion or damage of nuclear reactor results in - 100 of thousands people were killed or got sick.
It is not difficult to imagine what would have happened in the country, if one or two nuclear bombs were thrown at Georgia. No one should have an illusion that in case of war (if we become a NATO member country), we will be able to avoid a nuclear attack.
What do we gain from becoming a NATO member? Can we resolve our most painful problem via enrollment into this organization – restoration of territorial integrity?
Who promises this? First we shall clarify whether Georgian population wants to enroll in NATO. The question was raised during 2008 presidential elections – “Would you welcome Georgia’s enrollment in NATO? 77% of total number of electorate answered negatively. (53% of total number of electorate participated in election, 30% of them were against - 47%+30%+77%).
If we will consider the fact that populations of Abkhazia and South Ossetia did not participated in this survey, this figure would have been more impressive. i.e. it comes out that majority of Georgian population did not support the idea of enrollment in NATO. So, who needs this?
Those politicians that are doing their best to enroll the country in this organization, do not guarantee anyhow restoration of territorial integrity. On the contrary, their interviews, newspaper and magazine articles and TV speakings leave the impression that they are accustomed to existence of independent Abkhazia and South Ossetia and are ready to enroll the remaining part of Georgia in coalition. They do not see other way how to enroll in the coalition. The question arises: will we be enrolled in this organization due to unsettled borders with neighboring countries and difficult situation created in the country? No way, since enrollment of Georgia in NATO under such conditions will create problems to this organization itself. Or, may be, we are not interested in how the neighboring countries will look at enrollment of Georgia in the military-political coalition without considering their interests? How thousands of our citizens with Azeri and Armenian nationality will act in case of war between Azerbaijan and Armenia?
Such modeling of situations is not in favor of country’s enrollment in NATO. Georgia’s enrollment in coalition will result in even more kindling distrust towards this organization that is not favorable for this coalition. It is much more important for them to settle normal relations with Russia rather than Georgia’s enrollment in NATO.
If we take into account the fact that uninterrupted supply of energy resources to Europe both in times of peace and war has a vital importance, then it will not be difficult to guess that a neutral Georgia in much more acceptable for Europe, our direct neighbors, countries of Middle East and Central Asia, rather than a country enrolled in the military coalition. And what is even more important: the status of neutrality is the most acceptable for Georgia. This is when is becomes more attractive and this is when the possibility of country’s unification becomes a reality.
It is quite possible that via intelligent and smart politicians of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia new referendums will be conducted regarding unification, the results of which will be necessarily recognized by Russia as well.
Let’s not forget that nothing is constant and that the life is subject to changes. Back in 1975 the European countries (except for Albania), the United States and Canada signed an agreement in Helsinki, according to which the integrity of borders established in Europe was confirmed. Back then the world recognized two German states and independent western Berlin. Today Germany is a united country and its capital is Berlin.
And if we remember the history, Russia’s invasion in Transcaucasia united separated principalities and brought Samtskhe-Javakheti and Adjaria back to our motherland. The nation maintained its language, religion, traditions and customs, the population started to live peacefully, multiplied, the villages strengthened, cities developed.
At the end of the article, I would like to remind a reader the words that John (Malkhaz Shalikashvili, a United States Army General who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said as regard to relations with Russia. In response to famous journalist’s, Merab Beradze’s question: “Shall Georgia necessarily have good relations with Russia?”, the General replied: “Of course. I have repeatedly said this not only here in Georgia… Russia is a force that should be surely considered. My advice would be not to remember bad things only! Remember that there were many good things between two of you as well… I know your grief… I know that you were often hurt, but let’s think about tomorrow. You shall definitely find a key to Russia. Be sure that no one will help you as much as they will. It will be hard for you to stand on your own feet independently…” And another advice: “I do not think it is correct to assess Stalin’s role on my side and note his merit. One thing in obvious: whether we want this or not, like this or not, Stalin was a special, lofty person in the whole world. And my advice to Georgians would be to care about how to remember him and not to forget.”
Merab Beradze, “John (Malkhaz) Shalikashvili”, Tbilisi, 1998 year
“It is regretful that today these advices are not “in fashion” today.
Alexander Tolstoy
P.S. I would like to express my gratitude towards Merab Bekaradze, Valerian Gomelauri, Levan Dolidze, Givi Lephonava for assisting in preparation of this article.
Note that all of this date well after July 2011.
"Signed with his own rubber stamp"
