Georgian experts assess consequences of increased NATO's activeness in Black Sea

Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary General, has reiterated the Alliance's support for Georgia and urged Russia not to influence the Georgia's to join it. The NATO is increasing its presence in the Black Sea basin by scaling up its naval forces, and this can accelerate the process of Georgia's accession to the NATO, experts say.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 24, Mr Stoltenberg arrived in Georgia on a visit. He said that Georgia "will definitely become a NATO member."

He also said, when speaking on air of the "Rustavi-2" TV Company that an independent state "has the right to choose its own way", which is being subjected to "provocations" on the part of Russia.

David Bakradze, a Georgian MP, believes that Russia "through the occupation of Abkhazia and the Crimea is trying to strengthen its influence in the Black Sea."

Shota Utiashvili, representing the Georgian Fund for Strategic and International Studies, has explained that a number of countries support Georgia's accession to the Alliance, while others oppose it because of Russia's position.

"Russia can harshly respond to Georgia's entry into the NATO; and Georgia's membership will not help in strengthening peace," Mr Utiashvili has stated.

The issue of security in the Black Sea basin may contribute to the early entry of Georgia into the alliance, but Russia will use its forces in the Black Sea to prevent it, he has added.