PM Garibashvili: “Russia's interests to resolve political disputes”

"Ukraine's decision is very unfortunate, but Ukraine and Georgia are different stories as we are much less dependent on Russia than Ukraine is," the Prime Minister of Georgia told Reuters in an interview a day before the Vilnius Summit where Georgia will initial the accord on deepening trade and other cooperation with the EU.

Garibashvili believes that Russia may use political and economic leverage to put pressure on Georgia, but it cannot be serious.

"I think that in the long run it's in Russia's interests to resolve political disputes between our countries," he said.

According to Reuters, Garibashvili made it clear that he was not about to be crowded by Russia, saying: "Twenty percent of our territory is occupied, and Russia has already recognized the independence of Abkhazia and so-called South Ossetia. What else they can do?"

In the interview Garibashvili also underlined that Vano Merabishvilis and Yulia Tymoshenkos cases are totally different stories. Merabishvili, ex PM of Georgia, is being tried for alleged vote-buying before last year's parliamentary election and other crimes.

"Vano Merabishvili and Yulia Tymoshenko are totally different stories," Garibashvili said. "Some of our European partners may have questions, but we'll make sure that this trial (against Merabishvili) is absolutely transparent," Garibashvili told Reuters.