“Russia and Georgia: from Conflict to Cooperation” round-table discussion is taking place at REGNUM press center

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 "Russia and Georgia: from Conflict to Cooperation" round-table discussion is taking place at REGNUM press center today. Over 40 representatives of governmental institutions and NGOs, artists and cultural figures are taking part in the meeting.

A wide range of issues is expected to be discussed regarding the current state of affairs and prospects of the Russian-Georgian relations, including economic, humanitarian, foreign policy, military issues, cultural and religious ties, role of people-to-people diplomacy and ethnic diasporas.

Participants of the discussion will speak on necessity of economic cooperation with Russia for Georgia, the gas scandal and lost profit by the Georgian government, possible consequences of Georgia joining NATO, true US interests in Georgia, Russia’s claims to Georgia and other issues.

A statement will be made to address the Russian and Georgian presidents after the meeting. In particular, the statement is expected to contain concern by the current state of the Russian-Georgian relations and the continuing tough talk that brings about escalation of tension and exacerbation of the unfriendly atmosphere between the sister-nations having common religion. According to the statement, “we speak for Georgia’s neutrality in foreign policy and its non-allied military status. To our mind, excessive militarization and Georgia’s joining NATO will not give any profit to the Georgian people, but can result in losing its territorial integrity and turn it into a target for armed forces of other countries.”