Former US official: Georgia must become more attractive to Europe

Two leading European nations are "uncomfortable” with Georgia’s NATO ambitions as they depend on Russia, a former US official tells Georgian media.

In addition, American was not losing interest in Georgia but the country needed to become more attractive to Europe.

Former Assistant Deputy Secretary of the United States Mathew Bryza made these strong comments in an interview with Georgian newspaper Kviris Palitra.

Bryza admitted France and Germany felt uncomfortable with Georgia’s Atlantic ambitions.

"The United States has not lost interest in Georgia but this means something for your European allies, especially France and Germany. They are depended on Russia and its resources. Therefore these two countries feel discomfort with Georgia’s Atlantic desires,” Brayza stated.

He has given recommendations to Georgian authorities on how to successfully navigate the path toward European integration to "avoid rumours of political persecution."

"It will make obstacles on the way leading to NATO," he explained.

One piece of advice was for Georgia to try to become more attractive to Europe.

"If Putin’s Russia continues to behave badly to its neighbours, for example to Ukraine, blocking gas to Europe and disregarding human rights, then all this would change Europe’s attitude towards it. If Russia becomes more aggressive to Europe it would be beneficial for you,” Brayza emphasized.

He believed the country’s expectations of military aid should only be made after Georgia entered NATO.

"I love Georgia and will always be a supporter of it but you must make an effort to become more attractive for Europe,” he said.