Georgia wants to normalize relations with Russia and send athletes to Sochi

A highly symbolic gesture to the former Soviet Republic, bearing in mind that the event takes place in a region whose borders are disputed between the two countries.

The dispute over the provinces of Abecázia and South Ossetia even led to a brief war in the summer of 2008. Only four countries acknowledge Russian sovereignty over the two territories.

Until 2013, the situation was very tense, but since legislative elections this year in Georgia that there has been a esfoço approach.

The Prime Minister elected, Bidzina Ivanishvili, returned shortly thereafter to business and Parliament adopted as successor Irakli Gharibashvili, who made his first visit this week to the European Commission in Brussels.

Irakli Garibashvili/Prime Minister of Georgia (IG/PM Georgia): "since the election lesgislativas in 2012 that we have done as much as possible, to normalize relations with Russia. It was recommended that the European Union, the United States of Améerica and other partner countries and friends. The previous Government of Georgia had a very radical position in relation to Russia, but we've changed this rhetoric, this radical approach. Gradually, Russia also began opening its market to Geórgi products as wine, water and other products. Also have been improved contacts between the populations and the transport routes of communication. But, at the same time, we have faced a series of provocations coming from the Russian side of the border line. As you know, the Russians are to renew the boundary line, having installed 45 miles of fences, barbed wire and artificial barrier which created a series of complications to our citizens in this area, within our own territory. "

IG/PM Georgia: "This is the biggest problem between the two countries. Firstly, we have no diplomatic relations since the 2008 war and occupied regions remains our main concern. Is something for which we must find a solution and that passes through the evacuation of our territories. We want to live in peace with our brothers of Abecázia and South Ossetia, sharing with them the benefits of a better future for our country. "

IG/PM Georgia: "we took the decision to leave the Georgian athletes participate in the Olympic Games. It was a very difficult decision because the Sochi Olympics take place next to the Georgian territory, in the occupied Abkhazia. And since we don't have diplomatic relations with Russia, this was a difficult decision to make. However, we considered that whether to separate sport from politics and that our athletes should participate in the games. "

IG/PM Georgia: "no, no government official will be present, only athletes and people connected with the sport."

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