Politics

Russia is still trying to undermine our peaceful initiatives - Mamuka Bakhtadze

Russia is still trying to undermine our peaceful initiatives, – Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze said in an interview with Fox News.

According to him, Russia occupied 20% of the Georgian territory and it still continues its aggressive policy.

“Russia occupied 20% of the Georgian territory and it still continues its aggressive policy. Many Georgians were forced to leave their homes. Russia occupies two historical regions of Georgia. The government of Georgia is fully committed to the peaceful resolution of these conflicts. Unfortunately, Russia is still trying to undermine our peaceful initiatives”, – Mamuka Bakhtadze said.

To the Anchor Bret Bayer’s question what the Georgian government thinks about Trump and Russia relations, Mamuka Bakhtadze answered that Trump’s dialogue with Russia is encouraging because there is no alternative.

“We are very much encouraged with President Trump’s decision to have a dialog with Russia because there is no alternative. But we should take into consideration the context of the region because turbulences are growing. But direct interaction with Russia on the highest level is very positive and fruitful step”, – Bakhtadze said.

Anchor asked whether the issue of 80% of Georgia’s integration into NATO was being considered. “The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia represent a red line for us, historically, both regions are the part of our state”, – Prime Minister answered.

“NATO membership is our top priority. We always do more than we are required. Although our economy is not so big, we spend more than 2% of our gross domestic product on defense. Our relationship and friendship with the US have been approved by our struggle.

Our troops are fighting against international terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq. We are the biggest per capita contributor to these international missions. We take this issue very seriously, ” – said the Prime Minister.

“Under President Trump administration US-Georgia Security cooperation is enhancing. It has never been as strong as it is now and we appreciate this”- Georgia’s Prime Minister added. (1tv.ge)