Lithuanian FM in Tbilisi: Today Russia is not a superpower, it is a super-problem
The Lithuanian FM Linas Linkevicius is one of the participants of the international conference organised in Tbilisi by the McCain Institute and the Economic Policy Research Center, which is being held today and tomorrow. Photo: Foreign Ministry press office.
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Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius stated in Tbilisi today that Russia is currently not a superpower, but ‘a super problem’.
Linkevicius made the statement in Tbilisi during a conference organised by the McCain Institute and the Georgian Economic Policy Development Centre.
Kurt Volker, an American diplomat who served as the US Ambassador to NATO, also condemned Russia’s actions in Georgia and other countries and said that Georgia should respond to Russian illegal actions with development.
"I am here to reaffirm the message of the President, the Vice President, Secretary Pompeo, and Secretary Mattis about what an important strategic partner Georgia is to the U.S." - @UnderSecT at the #TbilisiConf.
— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@EmbassyTbilisi) September 11, 2018
Watch full remarks here: https://t.co/IIxaUwjaTW pic.twitter.com/DbfHtVzv8k
He also said that the Georgian occupied territories must not be a reason for NATO not to allow Georgia to become a member, as Germany was also divided when the country was invited into the alliance.
Georgian Defence Minister Levan Izoria told the audience that Georgia’s enemies “should be ready” for the country’s membership in NATO.
Was delighted to participate in the 4th #Tbilisi International Conference, which opened w/the legacy of @SenJohnMcCain, great friend & supporter of #Georgia.#TbilisiConf focuses on #Georgia's EuroAtlantic aspirations,democratic progress & strengthening of transatlantic coop. pic.twitter.com/b7fWYj0NWU
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) September 11, 2018
- See Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze’s messages delivered at the conference.
- On September 11-12 the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University and the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) co-host an international conference in Tbilisi: “World in 2018: Upside Down?” Now in its fourth year, the two-day conference is taking place at the Rooms Hotel Tbilisi.
- The Tbilisi International Conference has forged a reputation as a can’t-miss event for leaders across Georgia, the United States and Europe.
- Each September, the conference brings together regional experts on security issues, along with Georgian policymakers, civil society activists, and the business community – with a view toward keeping Georgia high on the transatlantic agenda, and keeping Georgia on track in its democratic progress and transatlantic aspirations.
US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell stated in Tbilisi today that western countries have only recently ‘woken up’ and realised that Russia is a threat. He said the west could not see the threat from Russia even after the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.