On August 22, in Georgia, the attempt of blowing up the gas pipeline going to Armenia from Russia was prevented. Seven people were arrested. They were citizens of Georgia. Five of the detainees were accused by the article of organizing a terrorist act. The official representative of the Georgian Security Service, Savle Motiashvili, presenting the details of the arrests on August 20 said that the criminal band was planning to blow up the gas pipeline in the area of Saguram village, which is located about twenty kilometers away from the capital Tbilisi. On August 20, aiming to carry out the crime, the gang members were heading to the nearby deforested area of Zhinvali-Shatili motorway to take the explosives and were arrested right there.
As reported by Georgian law enforcement agencies, a total of 4 (200-gram) “Trotil” type of explosives, 5 explosive devices (detonators) and ammunition were detected with the criminal band. Georgian law enforcers also reported that one of the arrestees was often visiting Ukraine. This information became a reason to question the allegations on the prevention of the terrorist acts by the special services of Georgia. Questions were raised in Georgia as to whether it was a terrorist attack or a pre-election illusion. There is no ethnic Azerbaijani among the arrested, therefore, Georgia was excluding the Azerbaijani traces behind the prevented crime. The possible involvement of the “Islamic state” gang known for its terrorist acts was even considered. Then, the attempt of blowing up the gas pipeline going to Armenia obtained a political shade in Georgia. Some experts were considering the Ukrainian trace possible by connecting it to the “United National Movement” party headed by Saakashvili, without excluding the goal of the authorities to collect political points ahead of the elections. There were statements that allegedly the “United National Movement” is interested in the instability in Georgia. This undoubtedly is a serious accusation aimed at any political force, however, surely it was a pretty unserious statement. Are the supporters of the former president of Georgia capable of blowing up the gas pipelines today inside the country? Hardly. In addition, whether this one attempt could destabilize the entire Georgia?
Some experts had even noticed that when talking about the incident, the law enforcers often and without any substantiation are using the term terrorism, while blowing up a pipeline, according to them, is a sabotage. Hence, who could backup the criminal gang? What goals do they pursue with the intention to blow up the gas pipeline going to Armenia? Could it be used in this pre-election round in Georgia? Chairman of “Multinational Georgia” civil movement, Arnold Stepanyan, in an interview with “Aravot” told that detaching Armenia from gas derives from the interests of traditional opponents of Armenia if we consider it in the light of the interest, however, it is definitely clear that all measures to blockade Armenia would cause counteractions by Armenia.
“In this case, I think Armenia’s traditional opponents are not involved in it. Azerbaijan would not be interested as if Azerbaijan makes similar moves now in Georgia, Armenia would also take relevant steps in Georgia. And Azerbaijan has much more to lose in Georgia. As long as Armenia and Azerbaijan are now in the round of negotiations, the tension of the situation especially in Georgia both by Armenia and Azerbaijan makes no sense for both sides are interested in stability in Georgia, both sides are interested in stable transit through the territory of Georgia. The obstacle measures of transit could be used in the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in case of very acute crisis, in other words, in the case of war,” – noted our interlocutor, adding that the short-term gas isolation of Armenia, perhaps, comes from other players who are trying to solve short-term problems.
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In that case, who benefits, we asked Arnold Stepanian, the geopolitical players? “It would not be the initiative of any of geopolitical players. If we talk about the West, it is definitely ruled out because the West is not guided by such methods, Georgia is the stable partner for the West. As for Russia, then I think it is not the case because Russia has other levers to stop its own gas supply to Armenia. Accordingly, the attempt of blowing up the gas pipeline is the handwriting of the forces who have wanted to solve some short-term problems, and it is not necessarily to be connected with Armenia. In this situation, it is quite difficult to point out to anyone.
It is necessary to wait for the investigation results. I think that the investigation will be effective as it is a pretty serious issue for the three states, and everything will be done to identify the clients. Hence, let us wait for the investigation results. But the most important thing is that in my opinion and also many experts are convinced that this case is backed up not by the forces that are in favor of resolving the state issues in such methods” – noted Arnold Stepanyan. The lawyer of one of the arrested had denied the allegations about the ties with Ukraine. Lawyer Maya Chrelashvili has said, “As for connections with Ukraine, all the detainees have denied this hypothesis.” Regarding the motives of planning the blasting action, the lawyer said that her client, Beka Bekauri, had confessed that “he hates Russian aggressors and wanted to blow up the Russian military bases.”
Can this be just a move against Russia rather than against Armenia, we asked Arnold Stepanyan. “There are groups in Georgia who directly associate Armenia with Russia. Nothing can be ruled out certainly, but it is a fact that the interested parties for organizing actions against the presence of Russia even in the region do not have sufficient power to initiate long-term aggressive action because there exist a statehood and government in Georgia who are absolutely not interested in such actions. Therefore, I am sure that the government will make the utmost efforts to make all transit routes passing thru Georgia safe and sustainable because, in addition to strategic and partnership relationship and good neighborly relations with neighbors, the uninterrupted operation of transit routes significantly supplements the budget of Georgia. Hence, the government will do the maximum to prevent similar manifestations of aggression”.
EMMA GABRIELYAN
