Merkel: Russia obstructs Georgia’s association with EU

Russia is trying to hinder the European Union (EU) association of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, German Chancellor Angela Merkel says.

In today’s interview with German Die Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Merkel said Russia was "creating difficulties" for Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, who were seeking closer ties with the EU.

"Our eastern neighbours, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, following their own independent judgment, have signed Association Agreements with the EU. Russia is creating obstacles for these three countries,” the German Chancellor said, pointing to frozen conflicts in breakaway regions like Transnistria, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as Russian actions in eastern Ukraine.

Last month Russia signed an "Alliance and Strategic Partnership’" agreement with Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, drawing strong criticism from NATO and the EU.