Pixel
Mon 22 March 2010 | 11:23
GEORGIA
Moscow the obstacle to Georgia's NATO membership - minister

Tue 09 February 2010 | 07:51 GMT Text size:

11548
Grigol Vashadze

Georgia is ready to join NATO but it is hampered by Russia's position, Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze said in Italy on Monday.

After negotiations with Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, Vashadze told ANSA news agency that it would be unrealistic to set a date for Georgia's accession to NATO.

"Georgia is ready to join NATO. All the required criteria have been met," Vashadze said. "We are aware of the real reason why we have not joined this organization. It is because some founder countries do not want to annoy Moscow."

"If Georgia enters the alliance, Russia will have to recognize its independence and territorial integrity in all circumstances," the Italian agency quotes the Georgian minister as saying.

Vashadze said that Rome may play an important role in facilitating Georgia's NATO membership, as Moscow takes the opinion of the Italian government seriously.

Georgia Online


If you have photos, videos or other materials to send, please use report@news.az email address
NEWS BY CATEGORY
POLITICS
I propose to Azerbaijan to sign an agreement not to use force, Serzh Sargsyan French senator supports Azerbaijani refugees’ right to return to Karabakh PACE 'fails' to fulfill decisions on Armenia Azerbaijan FM comments on delay in US ambassador's appointment Ilham Aliyev receives Singapore`s minister
ECONOMY
Azerbaijani banks borrow AZN 1.7bn abroad More Azerbaijani men than women unemployed Singapore, Azerbaijan to intensify economic cooperation Per capita incomes grow 3.1% in Azerbaijan President Aliyev lays foundation stone for shipyard in Baku - PHOTOS
SPORTS
Azerbaijani wrestling team to compete in World Cup in China Azerbaijan may play Cameroon Going to Baku is unadvisable, Armenian Olympic Committee Azerbaijan to host world football championship Azerbaijani grandmaster to partake in world championship
ARMENIA
I propose to Azerbaijan to sign an agreement not to use force, Serzh Sargsyan French senator supports Azerbaijani refugees’ right to return to Karabakh Going to Baku is unadvisable, Armenian Olympic Committee PACE 'fails' to fulfill decisions on Armenia Baku welcomes co-chairs’ efforts on Karabakh conflict settlement
GEORGIA
Imedi’s fake report kills one more person Over 5,700 Georgian fans to attend the Georgia-Russia game in Turkey Three infants hospitalized in Georgia with presumable H1N1 virus Caucasus never been among main priorities of US security - Georgian analyst Imedi TV broadcast tops list of hoaxes
TURKEY
I propose to Azerbaijan to sign an agreement not to use force, Serzh Sargsyan Erdogan criticizes the media for misinterpreting his remarks Erdogan's statement open message to Armenia, MP Over 5,700 Georgian fans to attend the Georgia-Russia game in Turkey US Spokesman comments Armenian draft