Coalition for Change member Donadze: cooperation with Russia poses ‘security risk’ for Georgia

Member of the opposition Coalition for Change and corruption researcher Beso Donadze on Friday said cooperation with Russia represented a “security risk” for Georgia.

He said both the Georgian authorities and the public had been repeatedly cautioned about the dangers such cooperation poses, not only to national security, but also to the country’s international reputation.

“We warned the Georgian Government and society that cooperation with Russia is a security problem for the country,” Donadze said.

He added that at a time when Russia is facing difficulties selling its oil, Georgia was intended to play a supportive role.

“The terminal that was opened was financed entirely with Russian money and it is possible that its very purpose was to serve Russia’s interests at a moment when it is struggling to realise its oil exports, making Georgia a helper in this process,” Donadze stated.