EU hails diplomatic link between Russia and Georgia

The European Council president Herman Van Rompuy welcomes the diplomatic contacts between Russia and Georgia to ensure stability and security in the region.

Rompuy made this statement on February 4 after a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at a joint press conference in Brussels.

"The European Union welcomes the current diplomatic contacts between Georgia and Russia as an important contribution to stability and security in the region," Rompuy said.

Rompuy stressed the EU concern over the erection of barriers within the territory of Georgia.

"I confirmed the EU's support for Georgia's territorial integrity and our commitment to support the conflict settlement through our co-chairmanship at the Geneva international negotiations, as well as with the help of the observer mission in Georgia," he said.

Georgian Prime Minister stressed that Russia has gradually begun to open its market for Georgian goods.

"We must convince Russia that the country's proximity to the EU does not have a threat," Garibashvili added. "Stable Georgia is in the interests of Russia."

Large scale military action was launched in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military.

Russia recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August. In response, Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognised republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.


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