Sport and politics do not mix - Georgian PM

Sport and politics need to be separated and if this happens, we will participate and enjoy a successful Olympic Games.

This is the view of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who voiced his opinion on Georgias involvement in next months Olympic Games in Sochi at a meeting with national and international media.

"Its hard to say anything in advance; we dont know how things will develop [in Sochi], but in general we need to separate sport from politics, Garibashvili said in response to a question stating there were many signs that indicated Russia would try to popularise the idea of Abkhazians independence at the Sochi Olympics.

"The Government has made a decision and only athletes will participate in the Sochi Olympics, Garibashvili said.

"Not a single representative of the Government will attend the event. Only the Olympic Committee and athletes will travel to Russia. If any political action takes place, it would not be acceptable and an adequate response will follow from our side, Garibashvili said.

The Prime Minister commented on the issue of security at the Olympics and stressed that this topic was very important.

"We are obligated to co-operate with everyone on issues such as terrorism. Terrorism is the disease of the 21^stcentury and everyone should be consolidated against it. USA and Europe cooperates with Russia in this matter, and if we can play our role in this regard, well be glad, he added.

In response to a question about threats from Russia, Garibashvili said he was not expecting any significant provocation from Russia.

He did not agree with the opinion that events in Georgia might develop similarly to Ukraine. He believed Georgia was not as dependent on Russia, as Ukraine.

"Russia doesnt have such power on us, as it had in Ukraine, so the risks in this direction are minimal, he said.

"Ive said before that provocations are expected. We saw and heard about these provocations throughout the whole year, for example the developments on the occupation line. Other provocations could also occur, but we are not expecting anything significant. Nothing can be more than what already have - 20% of our territories are occupied, said Garibashvili.