13:00, 21 February 2009

Georgian Vice-Premier calls opposition not to occasion Russia's new aggression

Vice-Premier of Georgia Giorgiy Baramidze has called all the political forces of the country to consolidation in the face of possible new intervention of Russia.

"The major danger that Russia can benefit from is internal instability. Therefore, I think these opposition's ideas of early presidential election can occasion Russia's new aggression," Mr Baramidze said live on Georgian "Rustavi-2" TV Channel.

Giorgiy Baramidze has noted that he would not accuse anyone from the opposition of direct links with Russia, but "very little is needed to use the actions taken by them for Russia's benefit," the "Interfax" reports.

Other Georgian politicians are also predicting a new upsurge of Georgian-Russian tension. Thus, in the opinion of Givi Targamadze, chairman of the parliamentary committee on defence and security, Russia is deploying a new springtime offensive on Georgia via the Baltic States and Ukraine.