Lavrov’s claims Moscow “won’t be expelled from S.Caucasus” direct threat – Saakashvili

Mikheil Saakashvili, the currently imprisoned former President of Georgia, on Tuesday claimed the wording of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov against the EU enlargement was a “direct threat” for Georgia. 

 

In his press comments last week, Lavrov said the EU attempted to “expel Russia ” from South Caucasus and Central Asia”, which he said would not happen, after the European Commission gave its positive recommendation for Georgia’s EU candidacy and accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova. 

 

“Lavrov’s statement should have been understood as a threat of direct military conquest, now we should loudly warn all possible partners about this great danger, demand an increase in the number of EU observers on the dividing lines”, Saakashvili posted on his social media account, and added “we must demand the delivery of a large number of anti-aircraft defence and anti-tank systems. We must urgently stop the influx of Russians into Georgia”. 

 

Commenting on Lavrov’s statement, Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday said the current Government was pursuing its “priorities” over the country’s  EU integration, and that it was “not his business” to comment on Russian statements.