2016-05-09
Today we begin a new phase that is aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of the troops and the joint military exercises serve this particular purpose, - Prime Minister commented in his conversation with journalists. Giorgi Kvirikashvili considers the joint exercises with the West to be a clear example of the partnership.
"This is a very clear example of our partnership with the West. Growth of the defense capacities is crucial. We have gone through a significant phase of the military reform, currently the Georgian military units are fully compatible with NATO standards. This is a reflection of Georgia's firm will and the sovereign decision of the nation concerning the vector of foreign policy. Any questions regarding this policy, in my opinion, will be unfair and inappropriate. These exercises are not directed against anyone. I think that there is no trace of a provocation in the given activities. Agreements between the Russian Federation and Abkhazia and Russian Federation and South Ossetia contain much more provocative elements. Our side refrains from any provocative steps ", - the Prime Minister noted.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also responded to the statements made by the MP Tamaz Mechiauri and the State Minister on Reconciliation and Civic Equality Paata Zakareishvili. According to him, the statement by Tamaz Mechiauri is not in line with the course adopted by the "Georgian Dream".
"I do have to note with great regret that Mr. Mechiauri's statement completely contradicts to the course of the "Georgian Dream" and the Government of Georgia. The latter, on its part, reflects the foreign policy vector of "Georgian Dream". Unfortunately, Mr. Mechiauri's statements do not reflect the views of the Government and the foreign policy priorities of"Georgian Dream", - Prime Minister further elaborated.
He also assessed the statements of the State Minister for reintegration and Civic Equality and considered them to be biased and unacceptable.
"As for the statement that was made by Paata Zakareishvili that he is surprised at the silence of "Georgian Dream", I am really astonishedat wording chosen by Zakareishvili, because I consider his statement to be totally biased. Georgian government and MPs made several statements. We have a very clear foreign policy priorities and these priorities have been confirmed on numerous occasionsat international and internal levels. As for the fact that a member of the government expresses his dissatisfaction due to alleged silence, it is his decision. If he has dissenting opinions, he may take a relevant decision. I think that unfounded criticism of the ruling party by the member of the Government isvery surprising and unacceptable. My feelings were hurt by this statement, hence I could not refrain from making such a lengthy comment." - the Prime Minister noted.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also responded to questions concerning the possible meeting between the Foreign Ministers Sergei Lavrov and Mikhail Jnelidze. The Prime Minister believes that better preparation is needed - since the meeting has to be aimed at taking specific decisions.
"If such decisions are elaborated, they shall be based on the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. We express readiness to participatein such a meeting. Statement by Mr. Janelidze was a reflection of this readiness. I think that we need the normalization of relations with Russia. Unfortunately, today our relations are deadlocked, and I think that we need to leave this impasse. However, this shall not happen at the expense of our sovereignty and territorial integrity, but at the expense of maximum constructivism. Number of negotiation formats that we currently have with Russia serve this particular purpose, "- Prime Minister noted.
Prime Minister's Press Office