Ilia II's visit to Russia should be seen not only in the light of relations between Russia and Georgia, but also in light of the situation in Georgia, said IA "Res" a coordinator of the working group of the Center for Central Asia and Caucasus Institute of Oriental Studies, Alexander Skakov.
According to him, one should not overestimate the peacemaking spirit of Ilia II.
"You have to remember his role in the early 90's during the Georgian-Ossetian and Georgian-Abkhazian conflicts, - he said. - But perhaps people change, and now his attitude is much more peacemaking. It is not less important the fact that in a situation of dual power in Georgia, he is trying to play not only the role of arbitrator, but also to get the status of the third center of power in Georgia. It is possible, taking into account the high status and position of Orthodoxy in Georgia. That is, on the one hand, he tries to act as a mediator in the conflict between Georgia and Russia, as well as in the conflict between Ivanishvili and Saakashvili, on the other hand - trying to get the power and the opportunities that he has not had before."
As for the situation in Georgia, according to Skakov, by spring or by early spring much will be clarified.
"I do not think that the new and the old Georgian authorities will be able to get on by the fall of this year. On the issue of relations between Russia and Georgia, I think that it is likely to promote the humanitarian issues. I mean the access of the Georgian goods to Russia, visa facilitation, transportation of people and goods and some adjustments to the Georgian law ", - he said.
Skakov is sure that one should not expect progress in any other issues, including the restoration of diplomatic relations.
