Germany supports Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty

Germany strongly supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle said at a joint press conference with his Georgian counterpart Grigol Vashadze on Thursday in Tbilisi.

He called on Tbilisi to cooperate constructively with other parties within the Geneva format.

"For us, the territorial integrity of Georgia is unambiguous, and in any situation and at the earliest opportunity, Germany expresses its support to this principle," said Westerwelle, emphasizing that in order to settle territorial problems it is necessary to conduct "a more active dialogue with all parties in all formats".

Westerwelle stressed he welcomed Georgia's decision to support Russia's WTO accession. "We also welcome the start of negotiations between the EU and Georgia on free trade and free visa regime," German foreign minister said.

Westerwelle also noted that Germany supports deepening of partnership between Georgia and NATO.

"The decision taken at the NATO summit in Bucharest means that the goal of NATO and is that Georgia becomes a member of the alliance as soon as it meets NATO standards," he said.

At the same time Westerwelle stressed that the approximation of Georgia to NATO depends on the 'alliance's values".

He welcomed the participation of Georgia in NATO operations in Afghanistan and stressed that "by this participation Georgia makes a significant contribution to international security".


/Trend/