Georgian FM on placing U.S. air defense system: We have more significant tasks

PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgia does not participate in any discussions over placing on its territory elements of U.S. air defense system, Georgian Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili clarified his countries stance on issues concerning American air defense system.



On May 2 Georgian FM at the interview to The Financial Times stated that Tbilisi is ready to discuss the possibility of placing on its territory elements of American air defense system. "If Americans turn to us with such a request (over placing air defense elements in Georgia) we will willingly negotiate with them," cites the newspaper minister's words. Earlier official representative of Pentagon lieutenant-general Henry Obering stated about US's wish to place air defense system radar stations in Caucasus.



In his official written statement, which was spread on Friday, Bezhuashvili underlined, "I want to dispel misunderstandings or various interpretations around my statements in The Financial Times, which were not understood properly. In my interview I underlined that no talks over placing elements of American air defense system in Georgia are on the way and no such negotiations are planned. Consequently we do not participate in any discussions over this issue." The Georgian FM thinks, "any speculations around this question are counterproductive."



"We have more significant tasks. As a responsible ally and member of the international community our task is to deepen and widen democratic reforms now and in future," Bezhuashvili underscores in his written statement, RIA "Novosti" reports.