Burjanadze Slams Putin
Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for sending a supportive message to the leaders of breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
“It is regrettable that President Putin promotes Bagapsh and Kokoity to his level or downgrades himself to the level of Kokoity and Bagapsh,” Burjanadze said on April 4. “I think that the Russian president should understand that such a relationship with the separatist authorities is problematic not only for neighboring states and generally, for the modern legislative order in the world, but also for his country and the future of his country.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry said on April 3 that President Putin had sent a letter to the Abkhaz and South Ossetian leaders in response to letters in which they expressed concern over Georgia’s “aggressive policy aimed at destabilizing the situation in the conflict zone.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement reads: “Putin underlined that Russia can not ignore Tbilisi’s line directed towards destabilization of the situation, including through use of intimidation and force – including through appealing to non-regional states. President Putin shares the Abkhaz and South Ossetian leaders’ concern about the possible negative consequences of Georgia’s NATO membership.”
