Taibo on Georgia

Relations between the European Union and Russia go through a bad time after the recent war in Georgia. Carlos Taibo, a professor of political science at the Autonoma University of Madrid and expert on Eastern Europe, had chat with readers of EL PAÍS on the role of Russian neighbour in the coming years. 

Is there any possibility that Russia recognizes the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Transistria or in the near future? Could this serve as a precedent for resolving other conflicts frozen in the former Soviet Union?

I sense that if this happens, it will take time. My impression is that the Kremlin has already done what they wanted, and not seeking a confrontation greater.

The Georgian president is a messianic irresponsible, or a smart Machiavelli?Should the movement initiated war without the acquiescence of U.S. and the EU?Behind the usual rhetoric about the right of self-determination versus territorial integrity and sovereignty What is the hidden agenda of the powers in the area?

I think, frankly, that is a toy manipulated by the U.S.. I do not think that at your own risk had launched the military operation in South Ossetia. Behind all, and apart from national problems not minors, there is a collision between the interests of Russia and U.S. in a region very important geostrategic and geoeconomic.

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