President Margvelashvili: Restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity is paramount

"Georgia will restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and this does not have any alternative,” were the words spoken by Georgia’s President in an interview with the Turkish Public Broadcaster.

Speaking live on air yesterday, President Giorgi Margvelashvili talked about Georgia-Turkey relations, Georgia’s foreign policy and economic issues. A large part of his remarks were dedicated to discussing Georgia-Russia relations.

The President pointed out there were issues which Russia and Georgia could not agree on. He said Georgia would never adjust to the occupation of its territories - Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region.

"Peace and territorial integrity of Georgia has no alternative,” Margvelashvili said.

"[…] a quick solution to this problem does not exist but the problem will be resolved only through peaceful means in Abkhazia and so-called South Ossetia [Tskhinvali region]. We have a great deal of support, including from Turkish authorities,” he said.

"The Georgian Government wants to enable the people living on the occupied territories to integrate with Europe through business development and visa liberalisation. So I think we are sending a great message to Sokhumi and Tskhinvali residents that our future is a united Georgia, which will be built through our joint efforts.”

While restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity was nonnegotiable, Margvelashvili said at the same time, there were areas where Georgia and Russia could work together.

"First of all in trade," the Georgian President said.

He noted Georgia had intensified its dialogue with Russia in the field of trade, which resulted in traditional Georgian products returning to the Russian market.

"This is beneficial to both parties,” Margvelashvili declared.

He also said cultural relations that existed between Russia and Georgia over the years as well as the personal relations between the Georgian and Russian people were "important”.

"We will reduce the existing tension and then we will begin talking about the most difficult issues. Our most difficult question is: Why has super powerful Russia - which has the largest economic and military resources - occupied territories of its small neighbour, Georgia, and what are the ways for a solution to this situation," Margvelashvili said in his interview.

The President also spoke about Russia's actions in Ukraine. He said Russia would soon realize how dangerous it was to have uncontrolled small areas at its borders.