Addressing PACE on Tuesday, Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili appealed for European support to help his country to build a better relationship with Russia. "The newly started dialogue between Tbilisi and Moscow should not create an impression that Georgia is dealing with this problem on its own and no longer is in need of European partners' support" said the Prime Minister.

"There can be no progress towards peace in the region if Georgia is expected to abandon its legitimate interests, especially territorial integrity and the right of its citizens to return to their homelands", he added, noting that twenty per cent of Georgian territory was occupied by Russia in 2008.

Mr Ivanishvili emphasised that Georgia's western aspirations – including its application for NATO membership – represents a strategic choice that was made by the Georgian people long ago. "We live today in a difficult neighbourhood. Many challenges of a globalised world are facing us. That is why we need your help", said the Prime Minister.

Video of the speech
Speech [fr]

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Georgia and the Council of Europe