Tbilisi, Georgia, Feb. 15
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Georgia aims to start a rational dialogue with Russia, the country's President Giorgi Margvelashvili said on Rustavi 2 TV company commenting on the possibility of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"The Russian side unambiguously supported the holding of such a meeting, and it indicates the seriousness of the topic. My statements are unambiguous -there is an extremely tense background between Georgia and Russia. The tendency of our government is the de-escalation of the tension. At the same time, the guarantees for sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and our national position are fundamental issues for us. We don't see weather it is possible to concede anything. These statements were made both before the elections and after them. The recognition of Georgia's territorial integrity, recognition of the fact that Georgia has its own way of development and the right to protect its sovereignty is a fundamental issue," Giorgi Margvelashvili said.
The Georgian government has started a rational dialogue with Russia, according to Margvelashvili.
The president stressed that during the meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Karasin and Georgian Prime Minister's Special Representative for Russian-Georgian relations, Zurab Abashidze in early March, certain topics, which can also be considered at a possible meeting between the heads of the states, will be discussed.
"The Georgian people's reaction can be understood. However, the main issue is what we will make a priority. We should put our emotions aside and start a rational dialogue. There is only one way out - not to focus on secondary details, but the main issue and to start a dialogue with Russia's top leadership," the Georgian president said.
At the same time, Margvelashvili stressed that if Russia starts putting pressure on Georgia before signing an agreement with the European Union, then personally he will be a guarantor of the toughness of the position and support to the country's selfless efforts.
"Currently, Russia does not put obvious pressure, the aim of which is to prevent the signing of an agreement with the European Union. We must not create an illusion that pressure exists. However, Georgia observes the situation attentively and controls the process. We have our own experience in relations with Russia, but we shouldn't forget the situation in Ukraine," the president said.
Large scale military action was launched in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military.
Russia recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August. In response, Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognised republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.
Translated by R.A.