Bilateral Relations: Russia worried about Georgia's military build up

Russian Defense Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov who is currently visiting Ankara, has said the Georgian government's efforts to enhance its military potential and to further approach NATO arouses Russian concern, semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

"We believe that such initiatives will give rise to greater consequences than the incidents that took place last August," said the report, quoting Serdyukov as saying during a press conference following talks with his Turkish counterpart Vecdi Gonul.

Referring to the "Caucasus Stability Platform" suggested by Turkey, Serdyukov said that Russia appreciates the initiative.

"We share the same view with Turkey on the territorial integrity of Georgia. However, Georgia's efforts to boost its military potential causes great concern, as well as its efforts to get closer to NATO", said Serdyukov.

Published by Mike Hitchen, mikehitchenconsulting.com
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