Georgia opposition raps PM for point on relations with NATO, Russia
TBILISI. Jan 18 (Interfax) - One of the opposition leaders in Georgia's parliament has rapped Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili for suggesting that Georgia use the example of Armenia as the basis for its relations with NATO and Russia.
"As is well known, Armenia isn't going to join NATO, the people of that country have not expressed a desire for integration with NATO through a referendum, and Armenia is a member of another military and political organization, the Collective Security Treaty Organization," Goka Gabashvili told reporters on Friday.
"Exemplifying the foreign policy guidelines of that country, which has a sovereign right to make its own choice, means a 180-degree change in the foreign policy course of Georgia," he said.
Gabashvili said the parliamentary opposition expected Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze to explain whether Ivanishvili's point represented his "inexperience in international affairs or incorrect use of the Russian language."
Panjikidze told reporters, in comments on the opposition's criticism, that Georgia seeks good relations with all countries and international organizations. "I think that this is something any country seeks and many achieve. All the prime minister said was that we should have good relations with everyone," she said.
Ivanishvili came up with his suggestion during a visit to Armenia on Thursday.