“We’re Glad Georgia Has Had to Withdraw Its Forces from Iraq.”
August 18, 2008
Libya supported Russia in the UN Security Council in the conflict with Georgia
Thanks to the assistance of Oleg Mitvol, former deputy director the federal agency Rosprirodnadzor, Kommersant was able to ask the eldest son of Libyan leader Col. Muammar al-Gaddafi Saif-al-Islam Gaddafi, who told Mikhail Zygar why the Arab world is behind Russia.
Why has Libya decided to support Russia in the situation with Libya?
First, Libya has always supported Russia; there are excellent relations between us. We consider Russia a great country. Our prime minister spoke to Vladimir Putin about that during his last visit to Moscow. But that is not the only reason. All Arabs are mad at Georgia because it sent its troops to Iraq and took part in the occupation of that Arab land. Therefore, now people in all the Arab countries are glad that Georgia has had to withdraw its forces from Iraq. We understand that it wouldn’t have happened without Russia. If it weren’t for Russia, Georgian forces would still be in Iraq.
What happened in Georgia is a good signal. It means that America is no longer the only country in the world that can make the rules of the game. Now, not only America, but Russia, is a great power. Now there is balance in the world. Russia is being reborn, and we value that. It is very good for us, for all of the Middle East.
We understand, of course, that Georgia started the war first. The Georgian simply thought that the Americans would stand up for them, come and help them, fight along with them. And that is a signal to all countries that rely on America alone, thinking that closeness to the United States will allow them to do anything they want. It’s not so.
In general, I should say that it’s very silly when the Georgian president complains about the Russian invasion. How can you talk about occupation, when you are occupiers yourself? The Georgians along with the Americans occupy Iraq! And now they are trying to portray themselves as fighters for freedom and democracy.
Is that the position only of the Libyan leadership, or have you discussed it with your partners in other Arab countries?
Well, it is Libya’s opinion, of course. But believe me, all Arabs are glad Georgia has withdrawn its troops from Iraq. We simply decided to come forward first because Libya is a member of the UN Security Council and our voice will have weight.
Does Libya plan to introduce a resolution on Georgia in the Security Council, or just to support Russian initiatives?
We will support a Russian resolution. Our ambassador will be briefed and will consult with the Russian representative in the UN Security Council.
Do you think that joint Russian and Libyan actions in the Security Council will be successful?
We will support Russia in any case. We understand that Georgia was the first aggressor. And Russian peacekeepers were forced to respond. Russia should have the right to defend its citizens.
Libya has exerted a lot of effort recently to restore relations with the U.S. and Europe. Aren’t you risking damaging those relations now with strong statements?
No. Not at all. We have good relations with the West and with Russia. But Libya chose Russia as its strategic partner. Of course, Russia is our strategic partner, and we cannot compare it with any other country for closeness. That’s obvious.
Relations between Russia and Libya became so close after Vladimir Putin’s last visit to Tripoli. All at once, huge contracts were concluded on Russian Railways and Gazprom work in Libya. What was the reason for such closeness?
Not at all. Libya’s affinity for Russia has a long past. Libya has great affinity and respect for the Russian people. That’s the truth. Our cooperation has gone on for 40 years. That is the whole reason, and nothing more.
Libya was a pariah state. Now many are calling for Russia’s isolation. Do you think it is a real threat for Russia?
No, I don’t think so. The whole world needs Russian gas, Russian oil. It is not expedient for Europe to let relations with Russia worsen. And then we, the Libyans, will do everything possible to work in Russia and invest in its economy. Because Russia is a great country.
Is the idea of creating a natural gas OPEC still realistic?
We discussed that idea with Russia and said that we are ready to join that club. But the support of the other gas producing countries is needed still.
In the last few days, the Middle Eastern press has been writing that five American and British aircraft carriers suddenly appeared in the Persian Gulf. Do you think the U.S. can strike at Iran in the present situation?
No, I don’t think that will happen. Because Iran is not Georgia. And prices for oil are very high and the consequences of such an attack would be very serious.
The last question concerns your personal future. There have been rumors recently that you may replace your father soon as leader of Libya. Can you confirm or deny that?
It is true that many are trying to find the answer to that question now, especially in Libya. But you will be the first I answer. I will have to say a lot about it soon, but I have decided to leave politics. Instead, I will devote all my attention to the development of civil society and business in Libya, philanthropy. I decided to take a few steps back.
Source: Kommersant, August 2008
www.kommersant.com/p1011127/r_520/Russia_Georgia_South_Ossetia_conflict_Libya/
Georgian Peacekeepers Deployed In Iraq - SlideShow
July 31, 2008
Georgia’s contribution of troops to the coalition in Iraq has split opinion in Tbilisi, but for the soldiers on the ground, the only concern is getting through their mission in one piece.
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Source: RFE/FL, July 2008
Reporter’s Notebook: A Day In The Life Of Georgian Peacekeepers
July 30, 2008
On most evenings, Sergeant Gocha Petriashvili uses his free time to call his relatives in Georgia.
Petriashvili makes sure to frequently reassure his family about his well-being. Speaking to his son one evening, he only has one complaint. “I’m alright…. It’s hot here, very hot. That’s the only thing bothering me,” Petriashvili says. “I don’t need anything, neither food nor drinks. Only this heat is unbearable. And I miss all of you. That’s all.”
Petriashvili and his compatriots are stationed at the Delta military base, located in Wasit Governorate near the regional capital of Al-Kut. The contingent of 2,000 peacekeepers, increased from 850 last year, makes Georgia the third-biggest contributor to the war in terms of troop numbers, trailing only the United States and Britain, and the largest contributor of troops in relation to the country’s own population.
Wasit Governorate, which borders Iran, is classified as a “red zone” — a particularly restive area where increased security measures are enforced. From the Delta base, one battalion of Georgian peacekeepers is dispatched to Baghdad’s Green Zone and another to the Qlear military base.
Every day at dawn, a column of armored Humvees adorned with Georgian flags leaves the Delta base. The soldiers patrol the streets, search cars, and, several times a month, carry out humanitarian operations in the region to help the most destitute.
The routine is monotonous, and soldiers say time moves very slowly. Each patrolling mission is nonetheless treated as a serious military assignment and preceded by detailed instructions. On this day, it’s Lieutenant David Kobiashvili who is preparing soldiers for the next tour of duty.
“If, let’s say, there is an explosion coming from the right, you shall go there, stand on the right side, assess the medical situation — whether there are any wounded, or, God forbid, [any dead] — and you will give me a full report so I can pass it on to the headquarters,” Kobiashvili tell the troops.
Over the past two months, explosions have claimed the lives of three Georgian troops — Corporal Zurab Gvenetadze, Lieutenant Giorgi Margiev, and Sergeant Irakli Kordzaia. They are the only combat fatalities among Georgian servicemen in Iraq, although two others have died there — one was killed in a car crash and the other committed suicide.
The chief of staff of the Georgian armed forces, General Zaza Gogava, recently paid tribute to the three soldiers killed in action during his July 17 visit to the Qlear military base, where the slain soldiers’ battalion is stationed.
“This is precisely the section of the battalion that sustained the loss. I would like to thank them because despite the pain and loss they have suffered, you can see how motivated they are,” Gogava said. “My dear boys, I want to thank you again. I’ll say it one more time, everything you do fills me with honor and pride.”
‘No Worries’
That day was business as usual for the Georgian medics who work at Delta base’s military hospital, treating soldiers as well as Iraqi civilians.
Lieutenant Nino Chkhenkeli, a doctor, has already treated dozens of Iraqis. She says respiratory problems and skin burns are the most widespread health problems among her Iraqi patients.
Chkhenkeli has left her parents and a teenage daughter behind in Georgia. Her daughter’s support, she says, gives her the strength to overcome the hardships of life in Iraq. “I have one daughter, she’s in Tbilisi now. She’s 13 years old. She keeps telling me: ‘Mom, I know you’re there for my sake.’ The fact that she is so wonderful is everything to me. I have no worries or concerns; I would even be able to go beyond Iraq,” Chkhenkeli said.
The Georgian brigade, which constitutes almost half of the multinational forces stationed at the Delta base, ends its workday at 6 p.m. Most Georgian soldiers then hurry to the canteen for dinner. Despite the language barrier, they have been quick to befriend the other soldiers at the base, who come from the United States, El Salvador, Kazakhstan, and Uganda, and the Georgians seen as among the friendliest coalition members.
After dinner, the soldiers have a few hours of spare time, which is usually spent watching Georgian television channels, playing computer games, and calling relatives in Georgia.
It has been six months since they last saw their families, and they are unlikely to be sent home any time soon. Under the current agreement, Georgian peacekeepers will stay in Iraq until the end of the year.
Georgia’s political establishment is proud of the country’s military participation in international missions. Tbilisi recently announced plans to send 400 troops to Afghanistan to help NATO-led forces.
The missions in Iraq and Afghanistan are seen as indication that Georgia is on its way to becoming a full-fledged member of the Western community — a goal that has been a cornerstone of Tbilisi’s foreign policy.
As Georgian Deputy Defense Minister Batu Kutelia told RFE/RL’s Georgian Service, that goal has its price. “If a country wishes to be part of the Euro-Atlantic security system, to use and benefit from membership in that system, it must contribute to it as well,” Kutelia said.
Source: RFE/RL, July 2008
www.rferl.org/content/Georgian_Peacekeepers_Iraq/1187343.html
Archive Footage: Georgian Military Highlights
May 19, 2008