EU Ambassador Hartzell: we support Georgia's right to choose with whom to cooperate
Ambassador Hartzell expressed his hope that the current 'tense situation' will be resolved soon. Photo: EU Delegation to Georgia
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EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell has reaffirmed the EU's support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying that Georgia has a right to choose with whom to cooperate.
Ambassador Hartzell noted that if Russia attempts destabilisation or military intervention in the region, the EU will impose a 'severe cost.'
The ambassador expressed his hope that the current 'tense situation' will be resolved soon.
The Russian Foreign Ministry put forward two proposals on ‘security guarantees’ between Russia, the US and NATO on December 17, which include restrictions on troop, ship, and aircraft deployments for both NATO and Russia, as well limits to the deployment of intermediate and short-range missiles abroad.
On December 10, Russia released a statement demanding NATO member states rescind the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration supporting Georgia and Ukraine's goal of becoming members of the alliance.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg turned down Russia's demands, saying that they violate 'core principles for European security.'
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said that NATO will not reconsider its decisions regarding Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration following his meeting with Secretary-General Stoltenberg on January 17.
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has said that the US remains 'unwavering' about Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ambassador Degnan noted the US is willing to negotiate with Russia in order to prevent conflict but will not 'trade away' the sovereignty of any European countries, including that of Georgia.
NATO will not reconsider its decisions regarding Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic integration, Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said following his meeting with the alliance's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Monday.
Konstantin Gavrilov, the head of the Russian Delegation to the Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control in Vienna, stated earlier today that ‘under no circumstances will Moscow allow the deployment of NATO infrastructure in Georgia and Ukraine.’
Russia has called on NATO member states to rescind the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration supporting Georgia and Ukraine's bid to become members of the alliance. The statement, issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demanded the security guarantees from the United States and its allies.
The European Commission’s opinion on granting Georgia the European Union membership candidate status is expected to be delivered next week, Carl Hartzell, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, said on Monday.