Georgian Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili warned Sunday that the Russia-Georgia conflict could spark a "domino effect," the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
The conflicts between Russia and Georgia could spread to Ukraine or other countries, thus posing a serious threat (to regional security), said Tkeshelashvili, who arrived in Istanbul on Sunday for a working visit.
Tkeshelashvili told a joint press conference after talking with her Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan that Russia was making a unilateral and dangerous move by invading Georgia.
"It (Russia) declared independence of two regions in Georgia. We will not discuss any cooperation until we see that Russia is a reliable partner," she said.
"We cannot think ourselves as a part of Russia. Georgia is under the occupation of Russian troops right now and the ceasefire agreement is not fully implemented," said the minister, adding that her country was undergoing a critical process.
Tkeshelashvili said there would be no talks since the ceasefire was not fully implemented, calling for a wider participation and international initiative to solve the crisis.
Babacan expressed his concerns over the recent developments between Russia and Georgia, and reiterated Turkey's supports for Georgia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Georgia, a former Soviet republic, has long been at odds with Russia over its two breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as its own bids to join NATO and the European Union.
Earlier this month, Georgia sent in troops to reclaim South Ossetia, triggering a military counter-offensive by Russia. The conflict ended with a ceasefire agreement between Tbilisi and Moscow brokered by France.
However, tensions between the two nations were heightened as Russia recognized the self-proclaimed independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia last Tuesday.
Source:Xinhua
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