June 30, 2009 - 23:36 AMT
Saakashvili important factor in regional politics
Negative emotions about decoration of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili with Armenian Order of Honor are exaggerated, a Russian expert said.
"Symbols are traditionally important in politics. But to be honest, the Order of Honor was not the best choice for the Georgian President. Nevertheless, I would not overestimate the significance of this symbolic act," said Andrey Areshev, deputy director general of the Strategic Culture Foundation.
"Managing to retain power in his country, Saakashvili is still an important factor in regional politics. He still enjoys the west's support and rearms his army. So, Russia should decide who will be its political and diplomatic ally if hostilities resume in the Caucasus," he said, Analitika.at.ua reported.