The selection of Sochi as the host city for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, whilest sparking celebrations in Sochi, has left many in Tbilisi wondering on the implications for Abkhaz conflict resolution. Sochi is less than 40 kilometers from the breakaway region. Most observers and politicians have welcomed Sochi's victory, seeing in it positive implications for Georgia. Just hours before the official announcement, President Saakashvili reiterated his "whole-hearted support" for the Russian Olympic bid. He said in an interview with Reuters on July 4 that the Olympic Games would help to promote stability, peace and understanding between the nations in the Caucasus. "I think it will have only positive results," he told the Georgian Public Broadcaster on July 5. Darchiashvili, however, rejected this line of thinking. In such an event, he said, the inevitable Georgian counter-measures would lead to an increase in tension and instability. "And this would be the catalyst for more international, and even Russian, commitment to resolving the conflict." |
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