Ukraine crisis turned everything upside down, says Georgian official

The crisis in Ukraine was completely unexpected and the work of international organisations will be questioned if they do not act appropriately and effectively, says Georgia’s Special Representative for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze.

Abaashidze participated in a meeting with members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly at the Courtyard Marriot Hotel today. After the meeting, Abashidze told reporters the current regional situation was heavily discussed.

"The scale of developments in Ukraine was unexpected for many people, including our Western partners. That is why, when you ask me about sanctions, the negotiations and consultations about this topic are being held now,” he said.

"The G7 [formerly G8 as Russia was suspended from the forum yesterday] gathered yesterday in The Hague, so the West is not clear yet about what sanctions will they impose against Russia,” Abashidze said.

He then noted the full picture of the plan would soon be announced and said it was correct not to take hasty and rushed steps.

"The developments in Ukraine turned everything upside down. International law [and] European security has been shaken so much. The question now arises on how the recovery will happen. This is the biggest and most serious question. Many international organisations’ work will be brought to question if they do not act effectively,” Abashidze added.

The Special Representative for Relations with Russia also commented on the announcement by ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, stating he was summoned to be questioned by the Georgian prosecution on Russian orders.

Abashidze said that there had been "absolutely no conversations” between him and Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Karasin about starting legal proceeding against Saakashvili.

"There has been absolutely no conversation on this topic. The only issues discussed with Mr Karasin are made public [and] we provide maximum information to the public on these meetings,” he said.

"We have practical, specific topics of discussion and these are mainly focused on trade and economic problems, transportation connections and humanitarian themes. Our conversations concerned these topics before and if the meetings continue, we will continue to discuss these issues,” he said.

Abashidze explained the date of the next meeting between himself and Karasin has not yet been decided.