**Peace Accord in the South Caucasus Sparks Unease in Tbilisi**
The signing of a historic peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House on August 8 has resonated in Tbilisi, Georgia. While Georgian Dream authorities and opposition figures have welcomed the move, others are expressing quiet unease.
For many Georgians, the accord is seen as an opportunity for their country to distance itself from Russian influence. However, critics of the Georgian Dream government fear that their country is once again missing a chance to break free from Moscow’s orbit.
The deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan comes amid Tbilisi’s growing international isolation under the Georgian Dream government. The regime has eroded once-close ties with the U.S. and EU, and its anti-democratic turn has raised concerns among Western partners.
Despite this, some opposition figures have viewed the accords as an opportunity for Georgia to strengthen its ties with the West. Salome Zurabishvili, Georgia’s Fifth President, hailed the deal as a success for peace and progress in the Caucasus.
**Georgian Dream’s Reaction**
The Georgian Dream government has welcomed the accord, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze congratulating the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan on their success. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement, welcoming the historic deal and expressing Georgia’s support for peace reinforcement in the South Caucasus region.
**Opposition’s Concerns**
However, many pro-Western Georgians are expressing unease about their country missing another chance to distance itself from Russian influence. Giorgi Gakharia, former PM and leader of For Georgia party, noted that Georgia should have been an active architect of this new regional reality, but the pro-Russian Georgian Dream has left the country isolated from progress and prosperity.
Tamar Chergoleishvili, leader of the Federalist party, echoed similar concerns, stating that while the deal is great for Georgia, it’s up to Georgians themselves to change their regime. She believes that strengthening American interest in the region will help them achieve this goal.
**What’s Next?**
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Tbilisi will respond to the peace accord and whether it will take concrete steps to strengthen its ties with the West. One thing is certain: the signing of this historic deal has highlighted the need for Georgia to redefine its place in the South Caucasus region.
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