Tbilisi, Georgia: President Salome Zourabichvili voiced concerns on Tuesday about Russia’s actions, describing them as “aggressive and destabilizing” towards both Georgia and the broader Black Sea region. She highlighted Moscow’s recent moves, including the relocation of a military base and airport from Ochamchire to Russia, as alarming developments that threaten the area’s stability.
During a press event with Iceland’s President Gudni Johannesson, Zourabichvili shared her anticipation for Georgia’s progression towards EU membership, following its attainment of candidate status in December of the previous year. She emphasized the significance of current global shifts, particularly noting the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on Europe’s future. Zourabichvili stressed that the conflict should end in Russia’s defeat and the reinstatement of Ukraine’s sovereignty, affirming Georgia’s support for Ukraine.
This statement comes in the wake of an agreement signed in October 2023 between Russia and Georgia’s separatist region of Abkhazia to set up a Black Sea Fleet naval base in Ochamchira. The backdrop of this situation includes Georgia’s history of conflict over its breakaway regions, including a war with Abkhazian separatists in 1992-1993 and the South Ossetian War in August 2008, which led to the declaration of independence by Abkhazia and South Ossetia with Russia’s backing, causing Georgia to sever diplomatic relations with Moscow.–Web Desk