Georgia's enhanced ties with EU won't affect relatons with Russia

The Georgian Prime Minister's Special Representative for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, told Vestnik Kavkaza in an interview that Georgia's enhanced cooperation with the European Union wouldn't affect the former Soviet nation's relations with Russia.

The Georgian officials underlines that Georgia is seeking associated membership in the European Union in order to establish a free economic zone with the EU states and to ease the visa regime.

At the same time, Georgia is interested in a free trade regime with Russia as well. "We want such regime with the EU, Russia and all our neighbours and partners. We have made a similar proposition to the US as well," the Georgian envoy stressed.