Challenges to the Security of the South Caucasus Countries and NATO - 2016: Page 8 of 9
19 July, 2016
of ideas. I am not so naive to believe that those ideas are not broadcasted to the decision-makers. And speaking about drafts, I meant some alternatives to “basic principles" set out in thesis or in form of "road map". However, I agree with you on one thing. That is the fact that NATO noninterference in Karabakh process does not create additional tension (though even without it the situation is so far from ideal).
Hanna Shelest - And why are we talking about any alternative projects? NATO has never been an intermediary. Moreover, from the perspective of theory they have minimal chances to become one (believe the one who did a thesis on mediation). Moreover, NATO has never set for itself a task of mediation in conflicts even on the documentary level. They clearly follow the issue of distribution of powers and possibilities. If there is OSCE, UN and recently more activated EU, who have the strategy and the tactics of mediation, NATO will never interfere. NATO has peacekeeping operations (Bosnia) and trainings (Iraq). It has trust funds and reform programs. All this is also capable of effecting post-conflict transformation or resolution of the conflicts. But all this does not absolutely fit the realities for example of Nagorno-Karabakh and all other conflicts of post-soviet area.
Vakhtang Maisaia - About situation in Pankisi Gorge. It is very often mentioned by respected experts. The fact is that now Pankisi Gorge is the most stable and open region in Georgia, where they managed to overcome the stereotype that was created during the last years. I am very often in the region and I can attest that I would want to have this kind of stable picture in the other regions of Georgia. Today's Pankisi is not the same region as it was in 1999-2003. Now the situation there is normalized and all the residents of the region including Salafi Jamaat live a calm and peaceful life. A woman was elected there as a head of local government.
Hanna Shelest – In the context of small "alliances" I think in future we should pay attention not only to Iran, but also to the central Asia, which has access to the Caspian sea. Today we already witness formation of another configuration of the region in USA, when they say Near Asia, which in fact covers Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, the post-Soviet Central Asia and Afghanistan. Therefore if same Kazakhstan takes a tougher stance (and it already started to disagree with the actions of Russia and articulate more clearly its grievances and disagreements), than only Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia balance on the one side and Russia-Turkey-(Iran) on the other side will no longer be quiet relevant.
The fight against terrorism and the problem of revisionism in European security
Hayk Martirosyan - The biggest problem of NATO states in fight against terrorism lies within themselves.
First, the approaches to Sunni branch differ in different countries. For instance, in some NATO member states all the Sunni groups showing opposition to Syrian government are considered terrorists. There is
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