Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct. 7 /Trend, N. Kirtzkhalia/
The Georgian government has made a special statement on the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
"The National Olympic Committee of Georgia expressed its goodwill with the support of Georgian government, and has made a decision on participation in Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics on the basis of significance of settling Georgian-Russian relations," the statement said. "We have always believed and now believe that the settlement of relations between our two countries has an essential value for the citizens of both countries. And on this difficult path it is necessary to distinguish such spheres of relationships that are less controversial and less related to the main problems of the Russian-Georgian relations. We consider culture, trade, transport links, tourism and sport as significant from this point of view".
Unfortunately, the Russian side has not still fully appreciated Georgia's goodwill, and directly opposite tendencies can be observed, the statement said.
"At a time when we want to de-politicize the Olympic Games and take part in sports competitions, because the Olympic idea serves exactly for peace and cooperation, the other side is trying to use it just for political purposes," the statement said.
The aggravation of problems associated with the Sochi Olympics and occupation, with the approach of parliamentary elections in Georgia, does not remain out of Georgia's attention, the document read.
In this regard, the Georgian government is closely working with the international community - the partner countries and international organizations.
However, the Government of Georgia reaffirms loyalty to chosen consistent course of settlement of relations with Russia, the statement said.
"From this day on we will be observing the organization measures of the Olympic Games with special attention, taking all of these into consideration. In case if Georgia gets finally convinced that an excessive politicization of sports games and their purposeful use against Georgia is taking place, the government will take appropriate political decisions for protection of dignity and interests of the country and its citizens. We would like to express the hope that the leadership of the International Olympic Committee and governments of Olympics member-states will pay the required attention to this important issue," Georgian government stated.