Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 6
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Georgia's aspirations to NATO are not directed against Russia, Georgian President George Margvelashvili told media in New Port city in Wales Sept.6.
"Our aspirations to NATO will not threaten Russia, as we do not intend to restore our territorial integrity by attracting the alliance," he stressed.
Margvelashvili expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the NATO summit of Wales and the recognition of the progress made by the government.
"Today Georgia has cooperation mechanisms, intensification of which will contribute to the achievement of NATO standards," he said. "The fact that Georgia will be more protected before it becomes a full member of the Alliance can be considered one of the achievements," the president added. "Package provided by the alliance for our country is a comprehensive set of measures," he stressed. "Of course, we are pleased with the successes achieved at the summit and recognition of the progress of Georgia," Giorgi Margvelashvili noted.
A new format of cooperation with Georgia, which will help it to prepare for membership was agreed to be held at the NATO summit in Newport Sept. 5, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
On the night of August 8, 2008, military actions were launched on the territory of South Ossetia, Georgia. Later the Russian troops occupied the city and drove back the Georgian military. In late August, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced two unrecognized republics as occupied territories.