Georgia, Tbilisi, 29 August / Trend corr. N.Kirtskhalia / Georgia waits for support from Europe, Temur Yakobashvili, Georgian State Minister for Reintegration told journalists questioning about a special meeting of the European Union (EU) scheduled for 1 September.
According to Yakobashvili, support is more considerable for Georgia than Russia's punishment. "Sanctions against Russia are important, as well. However, the issue at the first stage is a support for Georgia," the State Minister said.
Georgia waits for political support, which should not be reflected only in words, Yakobashvili said. "Closing with the EU is also important, which is reflected in simplifying of a visa regime, development of economic and educational relations in order that students will have an opportunity to get the European education," the State Minister said.
As to sanctions, Europe should solve this issue, whilst sanctions should be reflected on Russia's political elite, but not on people.
Large-scale military operations commenced in the unrecognized South Ossetia republic in the early morning of 8 August. Georgian Army was reported to enter Tskhinvali. Then Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and forced Georgian Army back to the Georgian territory.
On 12 August, the Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev said that he made a decision to end operations to compel Georgia to peace.
It was decided to hold the Russian peacekeeper forces and the international observers in the territory of Georgia.
The correspondent can be contacted at - [email protected]