Tbilisi, Georgia, March 5
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Russia will fail to withstand NATO and the EU both militarily and financially for a long time, Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Alasania told Rustavi- 2 TV Company on March 5.
"The economic and financial isolation, sanctions against wealthy Russians, all this will have a devastating effect on the economy of the country," he said.
Alasania is sure that the political dialogue being carried out with the support of the U.S. and European Union will bring positive results.
One must not forget that the new Ukrainian authorities play a decisive role. They must restrain themselves from possible emotional statements and actions that will provoke Russia.
Mass protests in Ukraine began on November 21, 2013, when the government announced the suspension of the preparation of the Association Agreement with the EU. As a result of the protests, the country's President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted on Feb.22. The Verkhovna Rada (parliament) has approved the new composition of the parliament and is preparing to hold pre-term elections.
On Feb.26 several thousand people participating in two rallies, gathered in front of Supreme Council of Crimea. After the escalation of the protest actions in Crimea, the Federation Council supported President Vladimir Putin's appeal regarding the use of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine pending 'the normalisation of the socio-political situation in that country'.
Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and the U.S., as well as the chairman of the European Council and chairman of the European Commission made a joint statement condemning Russia's position on Ukraine and cancelled preparations for the G8 summit in Sochi, scheduled for June 2014.
Translated by NH
Edited by SM