By Eugene Kontorovich
ソチ冬季五輪の開催によって、ホスト国ロシアの人権問題、とりわけ同性愛者やジャーナリストへの対応をめぐる問題に批判的な目が向けられている。しかし、人権問題などに比べると、あまり注目されていない問題が他にもある。
それは、プーチン大統領が五輪を利用して国際法違反を進めていることだ。明確に言うと、占領しているグルジア領アブハジア自治共和国の支配を強める手段に五輪を利用している。
ロシアが隣国の一部を占領しているのにもかかわらず、国際社会からの批判はほとんどない。このような占領行為は、国連憲章に違反しており、第二次世界大戦以降は珍しいケースだ。
ロシアは、アブハジアの地理的な位置を活用し、同共和国の支配の強化を図ってきた。アブハジアの首都スフミからソチまで、車でほんのわずかな時間で到着する。五輪関連施設の大規模な建設プロジェクトに使われている建築資材の大半が、アブハジアから持ち込まれたものだ。また、ロシアは五輪施設の建築作業員数千人をスフミに滞在させ、ロシアとグルジアの国境をさらにあいまいにした。
ロシアとグルジアは、国境を接するグルジア領内の地域をめぐり衝突した歴史がある。2008年にはグルジア紛争が起き、ロシアは南オセチアとアブハジアを完全に掌握するに至った。国際法上は今でも、この2つの地域は占領されたグルジア領ということになっている。
紛争後、ロシアはアブハジアを「独立」国家として承認。トルコによる北キプロス承認にならい、ロシアは侵略的な占領というよりもむしろ、領土割譲の意味合いを持ち、自決権のある状況を作り上げようとした。
これに対し、他国はロシアの策略を受け入れず、アブハジアを占領されたグルジア領とみなしてきた。ただアブハジアは、完全にロシアに下支えされた操り人形だ。アブハジアの住民は、ロシアのパスポートが与えられ、経済はロシアからの支援を基に動いている。さらに、その領土はロシア軍によってコントロールされている。この状況は、事実上のロシアによる占領であり、主権国家の国境に関する国際基準に反している。
グルジア紛争直後、西側諸国はロシアに対し、主要8カ国(G8)のメンバーから外すなどの制裁を加える姿勢を示したが、結局実現しなかった。それどころか、ロシアは依然として中東和平4者協議の一員でさえある。ロシアは何ら制裁を受けることなく、五輪の開催国になり、占領したアブハジアを五輪準備の拠点に利用した。
その上、ロシア人によるアブハジアの代理政権は、少数のグルジア人に対し、ロシア人の人口比率を拡大させるため、占領地に入植者を流入させている。これは、他の地域では西側諸国が大罪とみなす行為だ。
ロシアによる支配が顕著に表れたのは、五輪開幕まで数週間に迫った先月、ロシアが国境をグルジア側に一方的に7マイル(約11キロ)押し込んだ時だった。この措置は、占領地のアブハジアに関して、世界がロシアに「自由通行」を認めていると、ロシアが考えていることを示した。
国際社会はロシアがグルジアで進める占領行為に沈黙を保ったままだ。この沈黙の姿勢は、米国や欧州連合(EU)が他の占領地問題に激しく反発していることとは対照的で、ロシアによる占領を容認しているように映る。
EUは最近、パレスチナ自治区ヨルダン川西岸のイスラエル入植地で操業するイスラエル企業との取引は違法だとする見解を示した。この基準からすれば、企業スポンサーから各国のオリンピック委員会からの拠出金に至るまで、ソチ五輪への参加はいかなる形でも禁止されることになろう。「占領五輪」に参加する一方で、「占領終結」を米・EUの外交政策の最重要課題に掲げることは、西側諸国がカフカス地域を問題視しない姿勢をより強調している。
4年前、米国のカート・ボルカー元北大西洋条約機構(NATO)代表部大使は、「2014年の(ソチ)五輪に参加すれば、欧州の境界を力ずくで変えるロシアの戦略に加担してしまうことになる。われわれが、その方針に原則反対してもだ」と指摘していた。
ウクライナでは、同国政府がロシアの勢力図に再び取り込まれたことに抗議するデモが起きているが、西側諸国はロシアのこのような勢力拡大が突然行われるものではないことを把握すべきだ。
*筆者は米ノースウェスタン大学教授。専門は国際法・憲法。
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/d1021/20140210#1392028769(シリア)
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/d1021/20140210#1392028777(ソフィー)
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/d1021/20140209#1391941448(第二のサンクトペテルブルクにしたい)
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/d1021/20140122#1390387591(措置は20日から五輪とパラリンピックの閉幕後の3月21日まで実施)
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/d1021/20111229#1325144140(シェワルナゼ元グルジア大統領)
旧ソビエトのグルジアは、ソチオリンピックの会場にほど近いアブハジア自治共和国と南オセチア自治州を巡って、2008年に武力衝突して以降、ロシアと国交を断絶していて、ソチオリンピックは一時はボイコットを検討したものの最終的に参加を決めました。
グルジアのパンジキゼ外相は10日、ソチオリンピックの開幕に合わせて、首都トビリシでNHKとのインタビューに応じました。
この中で、ロシアがアブハジアと南オセチアの独立を後押ししていることについて、「ロシアは2つの地域に対し不法な影響力を持ち続けている」と述べ、改めて自国の一部だと強調しました。
その一方で、「ロシアとは非常に複雑な問題を抱えているが、政治的な対話を進めていきたい」として、ロシアとの関係修復も図っていく考えを示しました。
また、ソチオリンピックへの選手団の派遣については、「オリンピックはスポーツイベントであり、政治的なイベントではない」と説明しました。
グルジアでは、ロシアとの武力衝突を起こした欧米寄りのサーカシビリ前大統領が去年退陣したあと、ロシアとの経済交流を再開する動きが広がっています。
プーチン大統領は10日、グルジアの大統領と会談するつもりがあるかという記者団の質問に対して、「もし彼が望むならば、もちろんだ」と述べました。
そのうえで、「不可能あるいは非常に困難と思われた関係であっても、オリンピックが改善を促す機会となる」と述べ、グルジアがソチオリンピックに選手団を派遣したことをきっかけに、関係修復を図る意欲を示しました。
Putin ready to meet with Georgian leader, wishes neighbors success at Olympics ― RT Russian politics
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to meet with his Georgian counterpart, if he wishes to, for the first time since relations between the states deteriorated after the 2008 war.
“If he wants to, why not,” Putin answered when asked if he was going to meet Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili.
"I would very much like to see the tragedy of the previous years consigned to the past as soon as possible,” Putin told a Georgian journalist at the Sochi Olympics media center. “We understand that it is difficult process, but Russia is committed to the positive development of our relations with Georgia."
Putin also said that as a host country, Russia was happy to see the arrival of the Georgian team at the Olympics. The president added that Russia has resumed regular flights between Sochi and Tbilisi, promising that the route will continue after the Games.
The Russian president said the renewed flight path is “a good sign” and illustrates the Olympics’ ability to “contribute to building relationships, where it seemed to be impossible or very difficult.”
He wished the Georgian athletes the best of luck in the competitions, saying that they were helping to bridge the diplomatic divide that followed the Georgian offensive more than five years ago.
The Olympic Games are helping to build relations with Georgia. I am very happy, and we wish success to the Georgian athletes,” Putin said.
Later on Monday, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili said he intends to seriously consider Putin's statement.
“The Georgian-Russian relations are among the most painful and problematic relationship that Georgian state faces,” Margvelashvili said, adding that he will hold consultations and analyze the proposal.
“We will consult both internally and with Western colleagues and we will think of holding such a meeting,” the Georgian president added.
In November 2013, Margvelashvili became the latest elected president of Georgia. In early January, at a meeting with the Olympic team of his country, he called the trip to the Olympic Games in Russia a “very correct decision.”
‘Georgia not ready to join European Union yet’ – PM ― RT SophieCo
The republic of Georgia, though small in territory, has seen major changes in recent years. Public backlash triggered by a drawn-out confrontation with Russia has brought new faces in power. A young cohort of politicians from the Georgian Dream party is facing a difficult legacy left by ex-president Mikhail Saakashvili. We talk to the nation’s new leader, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili – the youngest elected leader in the world.
SS: President Saakashvili had a very concrete foreign policy agenda. He wanted ascension to NATO and the European Union. He constantly quarreled with Russia, which ultimately led to a war. How does your foreign policy differ with that of your predecessor?
IG: As for the main priorities of our foreign policy, they remain the same. We made it clear, and I would like to reiterate, that European integration and NATO are the main directions of our foreign policy. These aspirations of ours are supported and nourished by the will of our people who want to see Georgia become a fully-fledged member of the European Union and NATO. You probably know that over 70 percent of our citizens support Georgia’s accession to the European Union and NATO.
The European Union is not some kind of political whim. Let me explain why necessarily the European Union. If we look at the history of Georgia, we will see that our ancestors and our country have always longed for and had aspirations in relation to Europe and European civilization. This is not something we have devised. Thus, we continue what our ancestors started. We are truly attracted by European values.
As for other political aspects, the European Union implies a number of advantages. It will open its market and make it available for Georgian production. And I believe it should make one proud to see products labeled ‘Made in Georgia’ in the European market. This implies gaining a foothold in a different market. As for political aspects, we are talking about safety, security, mobility to and from the EU zone. All this will have an impact on the welfare of our citizens.
SS: You know Europe well…you lived in France and hold a master's from the Sorbonne. The EU is not just a blue flag with stars, but also Europe in crises and numerous Brussels bureaucrats. Politics are mainly dictated by Brussels. Everything starting from agriculture to immigration policies are decided there. Small members aren't really asked their opinion or taken into account. Who decides on political and economic advantages?
IG: So you are referring to the future when we are a member state, right? That is an interesting question. However, I would like to underline one point. We are well aware of all those difficulties that we will have to face and overcome. However, Georgia does not have a better choice. Europe is the only right way. There is nothing better than Europe. You may know of something better. If so, please let me know. Europe, European culture, this is our historical choice. I understand the high level of bureaucracy and I understand that the decision-making process is more complicated there. Yet there is more safety. There are more benefits. This is why we aspire to join Europe.
SS: You say that Georgia shares European values. So do you think Georgia is psychologically ready? For instance, I am thinking about last year's anti-gay protests bashing - is Georgia ready to be tolerant like Europe?
IG: I did not say that we are ready today. What I am saying is that we must develop incrementally, step by step. I say we are not yet. And the European Union knows this better than anyone else. We have many tests to pass. If a student does not do his or her homework, he or she will flunk. This is why there are grades in school. I cannot say in what grade we are now. What I can tell you is that we are moving in the right direction. All I can say is that it takes consistency – I often use this word because that is exactly what we need.
SS: If NATO membership is as important then this precludes good relations with Russia. Russia has said on many occasions that it is against NATO’s eastwards expansion towards its borders. And we are not talking about EU membership here - this is something that threatens Russia's national security. How do you intend to solve this conflict of interests?
IG: Our position concerning NATO remains the same. We have confirmed it more than once and I will confirm it once again. Georgia aspires to become a NATO member state. As for your question how we can match and harmonize those interests, it is a tough question indeed.
Unfortunately, we have failed so far to achieve tangible improvements in relations with Russia. As you know, for years one of the main claims of the Russian government has been the inability to cooperate with the previous government, the government of Mikhail Saakashvili. You remember the previous government’s rhetoric, which was absolutely unacceptable and full of hate speech. We changed this rhetoric. You know we started to reset and improve our relations with Russia. We have spoken about this issue many times. You may know that we publicly expressed our willingness and wish to conduct direct dialogue.
Within this format, bilateral meetings are held between the prime minister’s personal representative and Grigory Karasin. You probably know that the process of successful improvement of what I call technical relations is well underway, meaning improvements in trade relations. As you know, the ban on Georgian wines, mineral waters, and other Georgian products has been lifted. All this is, of course, helpful and serves the purpose of building trust between the Georgian and the Russian peoples. Since we came into power, our European and American partners have constantly urged us to regulate our relations with Russia. This has been their main appeal. It serves our interests as well.
Russia is our neighbor, and warm relations between the Georgians and the Russians have always been in place. And we the Georgians remember these relations that have been and still are between us. You know that up to a million Georgians live in Russia. We fully realize that. In light of all this, the processes along the occupation line seem incomprehensible to us.
SS: It's understandable that relations must be reset, but how exactly will you accomplish this task if you become a NATO member? I repeat that we are not talking about an EU membership, which Russia may or may not like. Russia openly states that if NATO expands near its borders, it will do everything in its power to prevent it. The Russians point out that it will threaten their national security.
IG: Yes, but we must succeed in convincing Russia that Georgia cannot possible pose a threat. The fact that we aspire to join the European Union and NATO does not imply a threat against Russia. This is our task. I understand that it will be difficult. But this is why dialogue is necessary. This is why actual negotiations are necessary. And I would like to say a few words about the conflicts. These conflicts must be resolved. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to hold effective talks with Russia. This is a very painful issue for us.
SS:Do you think that Russia is ready for a serious political dialogue?
IG: I do not know. And this is exactly why our government expresses its will to hold dialogue with Russia. We have already taken that step with a view to resetting and regulating our relations. In my opinion, I truly believe that it is a heavy burden to have recognized Abkhazia and Tskhinval as independent states. And if, as a hope – I am quite optimistic about this issue – the Russian government decides one day to reset relations with Georgia by means of peaceful conflict resolution, it will be the best case scenario.
Let me remind you that under the previous government, when it was absolutely unacceptable for Russia to engage in any type of dialogue with the previous government – and it was openly stated that they would not speak with Saakashvili – even then this process did not occur, meaning the barbwire process. It was not as intensive then. And now when a new government has come into power; now when we have actually changed our rhetoric; now when there is actual willingness to reset our relation and create a means of direct dialogue; it is incomprehensible why they continue this borderization process, installing barbwire so intensively. Thus, we do have a number of questions.
SS: You just mentioned the barbwire. Why are you so optimistic then? In a recent interview Putin said that none of it would have happened had it not been for President Saakashvili’s decision to enter Tskhinval. But since that happened, he believes this process has been completed and is irreversible. Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states.
IG: Nonetheless, the same President Putin made a statement about the necessity to build trust between the Russians and the Georgians and that this process must be expedited. This borderization process impedes the process of confidence-building. It is truly incomprehensible to us and our government. On one hand, we honestly want to restore trust among our nations. On the other hand, there is this borderization process which creates a great deal of discomfort: instances of temporary incarceration of people are intensifying; several houses wound up on the other side of the dividing line. Our population is very concerned about all this.
We have all made mistakes. Let us admit that we have all made mistakes in the early 1990s, for example. There is no way only one side can be spotless and unblemished. But we take it close to heart. We are hurt because our Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers no longer live with us. Somehow I believe and I feel that sooner or later the Abkhazians and the Ossetians will be compelled to live with us. And I certainly hope that this dream too will come true.
SS: I have spoken to many Abkhazians and Ossetians. And most of them say “We will coexist with anyone but the Georgians.” Besides, 15 years have passed, a new generation has grown that does not remember Georgia and does not understand why it should be part of Georgia. What would you tell those who'd rather be with anyone else but Georgians?
IG: There are radicals everywhere at any given time. Radicals may exist in Georgia, as well as in Abkhazia or Tskhinval. But I am talking about reasonable people who think rationally about the future of their children and their own future in general. I am not talking about those holding radical views on the Georgians. Even their statement that they do not see themselves coexist with the Georgians seems incomprehensible to me. You have to try really hard to come to dislike coexistence with someone who is earning to coexist with you and who offer you to restore the brotherly relations you once had.
Most importantly, Russia must come to believe that we pose no threat; we cannot possibly pose a threat. We have already proved in the past year that we are not successors to the aggressive and radical policy pursued by the previous government in relation to Russia. And once again, nearly all the countries of the world are trying to maintain normal relations with Russia. Why should our relations with Russia be tense and messy? It makes no sense whatsoever.
SS: The Sochi Olympic Games are a very hotly debated topic in Georgia. Some believe that Georgia must boycott the games, while others think that it should not. What is the official position of Georgia at this point? Is Georgia participating in the Olympics?
IG: We held discussions on this issue, whether or not Georgia should participate in the Olympics. The government made a decision that Georgia will participate in the Sochi Olympics. This decision was made by us in cooperation with the Olympic Committee, of course. Thus, our athletes will participate in the Sochi Olympic Games.
SS: Will you be there to root for your athletes?
IG: No. No delegation of our government will be present in Sochi. Our athletes and senior officials of the Georgian National Olympic Committee will surely be there, though.
SS: Prime minister, thank you very much for the interview.
IG: Thank you. I hope I was quite straightforward. And I think we covered everything.
不可能なるがゆえにそれを信ず、は政治的思考の一つのカテゴリーとなる。
すでにのべてきたことだが、完全なリアリズムは歴史過程全体を受け入れ、しかもこの歴史過程についての道義的判断を排除する。われわれがこれまでみてきたように、一般に人間は成功を称賛し失敗を非難する。という過去についての歴史の判断に同意する。こうした歴史の判断基準はまた、同時代の政治に広く応用されている。国際連盟のような機関、あるいはソヴィエト体制やファシズム体制などは、彼らが達成すると公言したことを実際にやり遂げるその能力によってかなりの程度判断される。そしてこの判断基準の正当性は、絶えず自分たちの成功を誇張しその失敗を過小評価しようとする。体制側独特の宣伝によって知らず知らずのうちに広く受け入れられるのである。
しかし、人類全体としては、この合理的な判断基準を政治的判断のあまねく妥当な根拠として容認するはずのないことは明らかである。成功すればすべて正しく、理解されさえすれば肯定されるという考え方は、もしそれが一貫して保持されるなら、目的のある思考をうつろなものにし、したがってその思考を不毛にし、最終的にはこれを消滅させてしまうだろう。しかも、その哲学からして道義的判断を排するかにみえる人びともまた、実際にはこの道義的判断を表明しないというわけではないのである。
The Twenty Years' Crisis, 1919-1939: Reissued with new introduction
- 作者: E. Carr,M. Cox
- 出版社/メーカー: Palgrave Macmillan
- 発売日: 2001/09/19
- メディア: ハードカバー
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