Georgia will not impose direct sanctions on Russia - PM

TBILISI. May 24 (Interfax) - The Georgian economy would collapse in the event of direct sanctions on Russia, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said.

"We will do harm to our own people if we impose sanctions on Russia," Garibashvili said at an economic forum in Qatar on Wednesday. His speech was aired by Georgian television.

Georgia supports Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, but abstains from direct sanctions on Russia, he said.

"Our trade with Russia is less than $1 billion. For comparison, the volume of EU trade with Russia over just four days is equal to our trade in a year. How is it logical to call on us to impose sanctions on Russia?" Garibashvili said.

Some Ukrainian politicians very much want Georgia to open "a second front" against Russia but that will not happen, he said.

"Georgia is a small nation with a population of 4 million, which is why it is important to maintain peace, stability and security in the country. It is my duty to protect the interests of my people." Garibashvili said.