Although Russia itself does not pose threat to Georgia, but the situation in the country’s North Caucasus region, where pro-Chechen rebels are acting is really threatening Tbilisi, Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili was quoted by local TV channel Rustavi 2 as saying.
“Russia is not deemed to be a threat. It is certain events in Russia and certain trends that may develop in Russia that are deemed to be a threat. For example, the situation in the North Caucasus. If we speak realistically, it is indeed a threat to us. There are certain other aspects that may exist in Russia, but the country itself is not viewed as a threat,” the minister cited his own report at a conference held at the ski resort of Gudairi.
However, the minister also said that the new Georgian military strategy will station Russian military bases and Russian peacekeepers among threats to Georgia’s national security.
Russian peacekeepers have been deployed in South Ossetia and Abkhazia since South Ossetia began running its own affairs in 1992. Abkhazia broke away the following year. Both regions border Russia and have enjoyed close ties with Moscow, which has granted Russian citizenship to many of their residents.
After Moscow and Tbilisi struck a deal earlier this year, under which Russia would withdraw its military bases from Georgia in 2008, the problem of breakaway regions remains the most painful issue in bilateral relations.
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