Georgian PM perplexed by Russia opposing ex-Soviet republics' EU integration
TBILISI. Oct 17 (Interfax) - Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili believes Moscow should not put pressure on former Soviet countries wishing to join the European Union.
"Perhaps it can be understood that Russia doesn't like NATO, as this is a military structure, but what does Russia have against the European Union? I didn't expect such a reaction," Ivanishvili said at a meeting with Georgian media outlets on Thursday.
"Russia, which has the largest trade balance with the European Union, should not oppose European Union countries. However, Russia is making injudicious steps. I hope that Russia will want to become a European Union member itself one day," he said.
Georgia, despite such pressure, is determined to integrate with the European Union, he said.
"The European Union and NATO are our strategy and our main avenue; however, if any other association brings additional benefits to the country and does not go against its strategy, we should always think about it, including about the European Union," he said.
"We should restore normal relations with Russia, but not at the cost of our aspirations for Europe," Ivanishvili said.
