Tbilisi, Georgia, Dec.20
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Georgian State Minister for Integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures Alexi Petriashvili welcomes any step for normalization of relations with Russia. Petriashvili commented on the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he said that Russia is not against cancellation of the visa regime with Georgia.
Petriashvili told journalists on Dec.20 that he welcomes any step for normalization of Russian-Georgian relations but not at the expense of Georgia's interests.
"Vladimir Putin isn't ruling out the cancellation of the visa regime with Georgia, neither am I. Earlier, Georgian government unilaterally cancelled the visa regime for Russian citizens.
I cannot adopt this decision instead of the Russian leadership, but I can be assured of one thing: such a decision cannot affect any issue which has a strategic significance for us. I welcome all steps that contribute to normalization of relations with our northern neighbor. However, everyone should know that this will not happen at the expense of our national and strategic interests." Petriashvili said.
He re-emphasized that the strategically important issues for Georgia are the restoration of territorial integrity, de-occupation and steady adherence to foreign policy priorities, which envisages integration into the European Union and NATO.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by C.N.