Reuters: “Georgia says Russian pressure will not divert it from EU goal”

Georgia’s Prime Minister has his sights set on EU membership and joining NATO while keeping a close eye on the unfortunate events in Ukraine.

This was the content of an interview between journalist Adrian Croft and PM Irakli Garibashvili during his official visit in Brussels, published on the Reuters website on February 4.

Croft stated the EU's policy of strengthening ties with ex-Soviet states suffered a setback in November when Ukraine, under pressure from Russia, declined to sign a planned trade accord with the EU, opting for closer ties with Moscow instead.

Some EU officials fear those countries could still come under pressure from Russia to change their minds in the months before the Agreements are signed,” Croft wrote. Garibashvili admitted to Reuters he had heard several concerns about potential risks and threats or pressure coming from Russia before Georgia signs the Agreement|/

Accordingly, the article revealed Georgia and Moldova are the only two former Soviet states currently continuing to pursue free trade agreements with the EU.

Read the full article on: www.uk.reuters.com