Tbilisi, Georgia, Dec.3
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Tamar Beruchashvili met with NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai within the NATO ministerial, held in Brussels Dec.2, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said.
The sides discussed Russia's actions in relation to Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, said the ministry.
Georgian foreign minister and NATO special representative expressed concern about the so-called agreement formalized between Russia and the separatist regime of Abkhazia, which will have a negative impact on stability and security in the region.
Beruchashvili and Appathurai also discussed Georgia's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, in particular the process of implementation of the NATO-Georgia Package. The package of measures to encourage Georgia in its aspiration for membership in the alliance, was approved on September 4-5 during the NATO summit in Wales.
Georgian foreign minister intends to discuss Russia's actions in relation to Abkhazia at all scheduled meetings during his visit to Brussels.
On Nov. 24, the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the de-facto president of Abkhazia, Raul Khajimba signed in Sochi an agreement on strategic alliance and strategic partnership. This document provides for the formation of a common space of defense and security through the establishment of the united forces group as well, which will be subject to the joint command.
Large-scale military action was launched between Georgia and Russia in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008.
Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military.
Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August.
In response, Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.