14/06/2013 18:38
Expert: There are new tendencies in Russian-Georgian relations
“Vladimir Putin’s statement about Russian-Georgian relations is a positive one. There was no such reaction so far. The Russian side declared it will take steps aimed at improving the relationship with Georgia,” Jonny Melikian, an expert on Georgia, told the correspondent of Aysor.am.
He stressed Putin’s idea that Russia is ready to accept Georgia’s assistance in ensuring the security during the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi.
“Following Putin’s statement, Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that two Russian citizens charged with an attempted terrorist attack - Mikhail Kadiyev and Rivzan Omarov - were detained. The two men lived in Georgia since 2011,” Melikian said, noting that the move was the Georgian authorities’ response to Putin’s statement: they showed their willingness to make efforts to ensure security during the 2014 Olympic Games.
J. Melikian mentioned the agreement on visa regime facilitation as another positive tendency in relations between Russia and Georgia. Besides, Georgian goods returned to the Russian market: the first shipment of wine was sent to Russia.
“The operation of Upper Lars checkpoint will promote not only Russian-Georgian economic relations, but also affect Armenia because our country imports many goods from Russia via Georgia,” Melikian noted.
In his words, new developments in Russian-Georgian relations should be expected no earlier than October.