Georgia: Ex-UN Envoy Opts for Opposition?

Georgia's United Nations envoy Irakli Alasania has become the latest potential player in the country's ever-changing gallery of opposition leaders, following the December 8 announcement of a coalition between two centrist parties.

"We have been in consultations with Alasania lately, but he will announce his plans personally when he returns to Georgia," Republican Party leader Davit Usupashvili announced on December 8 after signing a cooperation agreement with New Rights Party leader and former presidential candidate Davit Gamkrelidze.

Thirty-five-year-old Alasania resigned from his UN post in New York City on December 4.

While it remains uncertain whether Alasania will become the new face of this alliance, observers contend that his presence would score considerable points for Georgia's opposition, long on the look for a charismatic leader to match President Mikheil Saakashvili. Mild-spoken and measured, Alasania has acquired the reputation of a political golden boy, routinely rumored to be under consideration for posts ranging from prime minister to foreign minister.

As Tbilisi's chief negotiator with the breakaway region of Abkhazia until May 2006, Alasania established a good rapport with the separatist leadership in Sokumi. Alasania was later sent to New York as Georgia's permanent representative to the UN, an option reportedly taken when Saakashvili's administration opted for a more assertive approach with Sokhumi.

Alasania, the former chairman of the Abkhaz government-in-exile and the son of a Georgian general killed during the 1992-1993 war with Abkhazia, reportedly stands in high regard among Abkhazia's separatist officials - a factor that could prove critical on Georgia's domestic political front.

"Alasania is a man we can talk to," de facto Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba told GHN news agency recently. "Had the proposals he brought to Sokhumi been implemented, than I assure you that the August events wouldn't have happened and Georgia and Abkhazia, as well as Georgia and Russia, would have very different relations now."

Alasania was not taking calls on Monday. A presidential spokesperson said that she could not confirm Georgian media reports that the government is also in talks with Alasania about a potential post.

If Alasania opts to ally with the New Rights-Republicans, he will be the latest in a series of former Saakashvili allies who have sided with the opposition. Former Parliamentary Speaker Nino Burjanadze and former Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli have both recently announced the formation of a political party and a public movement, respectively, that are critical of Saakashvili. So far, the New Rights and Republicans have indicated no plans to join forces with either Burjanadze or Noghaideli, however.

Alasania's resignation dovetails with a December 5 cabinet reshuffle that saw the exit of both Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili and Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili. After a month-long stint as culture minister, former Deputy Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze, an advocate of deep-seated administrative reforms, will now head the foreign ministry. Deputy Defense Minister Batu Kutelia, who frequently acted as the defense ministry's de facto spokesperson, will replace Kezerashvili.

National Security Council Chairman Kakha Lomaia will leave his post, to be reassigned in the diplomatic service. Details are not available.

Perhaps in the most controversial appointment, former Justice Minister Nika Gvaramia, who previously served as deputy prosecutor general, has become the minister of education. An experienced lawyer, Gvaramia has no training as an education expert.

Speaking at a late news conference on December 5, Prime Minister Grigol Mgaloblishvili announced that the changes will adjust Georgia's foreign policy and defense capabilities to new realities.