Tbilisi denies it's ready to join Russia-proposed regional platform

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Georgian Foreign Ministry has denied that the country's Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani has allegedly confirmed Tbilisi's readiness to participate in negotiations of a proposed regional platform dubbed "3+3" – with the participation of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Russia and Turkey.

“Unfortunately, individuals on social networks have misinterpreted the interview of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from on October 7, 2021, on the air of the Georgian Public Broadcaster. Information is being deliberately disseminated alleging that the minister has confirmed Georgia's participation in the so-called 3+3 format", the Georgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, according to Interfax.

It cites an excerpt from an interview where Zalkaliani says that when Tbilisi does not see "any process towards de-occupation", it is very difficult to sit down in this format and talk about any infrastructure projects.

"Georgia should participate in large geopolitical and ongoing projects in the region, but not at the expense of state interests, not at the expense of concessions to the occupier. The red line is the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country," the Foreign Ministry cited Zalkaliani as saying.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier suggested creating a cooperation format involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Russia and Turkey.