Iran can use Georgia's vulnerability if Saakashvili continues pushing pro-West policy

PanARMENIAN.Net - During past several years, relations between Iran and Georgia tensed periodically over a number of foreign-policy circumstances. However, they remained unnoticeable and never transformed into open confrontation, according to an Armenian expert.



"With Mikhail Saakashvili coming to power, Tbilisi and Tehran have experienced various political and diplomatic problems," Eduard Abrahamyan, director of Mitq analytical center, writes in "Current stage of Iranian-Georgian" article.



"The latest scandal burst out when Georgia, demonstrating its devotion to the United States, detained members of Iranian diplomatic mission in January, accusing them of holding nuclear talks with Russia in the Georgian territory. At that time, official Tehran urged immediate release of its citizens and threatened Georgia with de jure recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia's independence," the article says.



"Another factor is delivery of Iranian gas to Georgia. Iran can take advantage of Georgia's vulnerability if Saakashvili goes on pushing pro-West policy. Investment agreements can also be used as a tool of pressure. In aspiration to engage in resolution of conflict in the Caucasus, Iran can watch the issue in the light of U.S. increasing U.S. influence and its allies in Georgia and Azerbaijan," it says.