Georgia, Tbilisi, August 4 / Trend N. Kirtskhalia /
Statement by NATO's new Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, that Russia must respect territorial integrity of neighboring countries is important signal, Georgian experts said.
NATO's new Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, calls on Russia to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighboring nations. He made this statement at his press- conference in Brussels.
Rasmussen said that Georgian-Russian war complicated relations between NATO and Russia.
"Russia must fulfill its obligations and respect sovereignty of neighboring nations," he said.
Military actions launched in the territory of unrecognized republic of South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Georgian troops entered the capital of South Ossetia - Tskhinvali. Afterwards, Russian troops occupied the city and drove Georgian military men back to Georgia. Russia recognized independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, official parts of Georgia on August 26 and established diplomatic relations with them on September 9.
Expert Andro Barno said that statement of NATO Secretary-General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, was important signal at his first press conference.
Expert said that frequent and active fixation of positions from all sides is very important.
Expert Kakha Gogolashvili said that Rasmussen's statements are important as they are made by new Secretary-General.
"It is important that NATO's new Secretary General considers all issues and fixes NATO position," expert said.
Danish ex-Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen took office on August 1. He replaced Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
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