Georgia needs close cooperation with Western partners to neutralize Russia's 'soft force' - president
TBILISI. Feb 3 (Interfax) - Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has expressed the wish to establish relations with Russia, but on the condition of respect for each other's interests.
"The same as with any other state, Georgia has been trying to establish relations based on trust with Russia. A united, democratic, and strong Georgia will be a guarantee of stability in the Caucasus region. The well-being of Russia cannot be provided by the means of occupation of neighboring state territories, and with disregard for the interests of the neighboring people. Once again, as the chief of state, I confirm the desire to establish neighborly relations with Russia based on respect for each other's interests," Margvelashvili said, in his annual address to the parliament, delivered on Wednesday.
The Georgian administration is constantly sending messages to "its citizens" in Abkhazia, and South Ossetia, who can enjoy "benefits of Georgia's European integration" to the maximum extent, he said.
"One should remember that relations with our northern neighbor have been happening lately against the backdrop of Russia's active use of 'soft force'. In order to neutralize this 'soft force', we need to cooperate closely with our Western partners, because Georgian-Russian relations have become part of the European policy," Margvelashvili said.
Russia may use 'soft force' in economic relations with Georgia, as well, he said. "This may manifest itself in relations with Gazprom," the president noted.
So, he thinks that the Georgian government should provide "maximum transparency" in negotiations with Gazprom.
