"Today, we are no longer Russia's backyard," the French edition of the Weekly Magazine (JDD) published an interview with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili.
The President talks about the connection between the two countries, Georgia's goal to join the European Union, and at the same time, the difficult dialogue with Moscow, which has always supported the Abkhaz and Ossetian separatists.
The President of Georgia was asked what she expects from Russia in response to Georgia's European integration.
"During my meetings as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with my colleague Sergey Lavrov, the issue of NATO membership was often raised. Russia's position was as follows: - The choice of the Alliance is sovereign, but it should not be directed against Russia. The problem is that Russia has intensified its positions with us, in our occupied territories, as well as in Ukraine. An alliance is a place where the future must be solid. Our relations with Russia are completely frozen. There is no dialogue, except for a small technical exchange," said the President of Georgia.
To the question of whether more strength is needed with Putin, Salome Zurabishvili answers: "Strength is needed to be respected. However, solutions are needed. Sanctions alone will not work. However, the EU lacks a vision for a solution to these conflicts and giving suggestions to Russia."
Salome Zurabishvili was asked about the failure of the United States in Afghanistan, to which she said that this challenge reminded her of Vietnam.
"This is a factor of instability, especially for Russia. This region has become its true backyard. We are no longer there. How should it get out of this situation? This is a question that will be very relevant for the whole world," said Salome Zurabishvili.
