Georgia Condemns Russian MFA Statement on Arms Deal
On September 15 the Georgian Foreign Ministry condemned a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry of September 13 regarding Georgia”s arms deals with the NATO member countries, calling this statement “groundless and irresponsible”.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern in a statement on September 13 that a delivery of ammunition from NATO member states, including from the Czech Republic, to Georgia could “increase Tbilisi”s temptation” to forcefully solve the frozen conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetian.
According to Czech Radio 1, the Czech government donated ammunition to Georgia, decommissioned by the Czech army, worth CZK 500,000 (about USD 21,000).
“Modernization and enhancement of fighting efficiency of the armed forces, as well as the solution of other issues related to the democratic reconstruction of the country constitutes Georgia”s sovereign right and this process is due to continue, irrespective of whether either side approves it or not,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry”s statement reads.
According to the statement, the Czech side donated the ammunition to Georgia in frames of the U.S.-funded Sustainment and Stability Operations Program to train Georgian troops in peace support operations.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry also expressed its concern over the “militarization of the separatist regimes” in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, adding that “retired top-ranking officials from the Russian military are presently leading and training the “armed forces” of the separatist regimes.”
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili also condemned on September 14 statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry and said that “it is not Russia”s business from where and how Georgia receives arms and ammunition to increase the combat capabilities of the armed forces.”
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
