Tbilisi, Georgia, March 29
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Tbilisi does not expect deterioration in relations with Moscow at this stage, according to Georgian Foreign Minister, Maia Panjikidze.
"At this stage we do not expect a deterioration of relations with Russia. Another round of Geneva discussions have completed recently; there we met with representatives of the Russian delegation. We do not expect any danger from Russia, although we are cautious and conduct appropriate preventive measures," Panjikidze said on March 28.
The minister made these remarks when asked by journalists about the possible aggravation of the situation in the background of events in Ukraine.
However, Alexi Petriashvili, Georgia's State Minister for Integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures, believes that Georgia should be ready for any developments.
"As for a danger for Ukraine - it is very real. We have already seen how a sovereign country's territorial integrity was violated and how its territories were annexed. And Georgia should be ready to development of all scenarios," Petriashvili said. "We examined the possible threats, and did an analysis of the current situation, as well as developed scenarios to respond to them. Naturally, there may be an escalation of situation, but the Georgian government is ready not to succumb to provocations, as it was before. I would like to once again emphasize that no one can force Georgia to change its foreign policy."
Translated by E.A.