MOSCOW. Jan 26 (Interfax) - Some forces are trying to oust Russia from the Caucasus region, said Igor Giorgadze, a former Georgian security minister and currently the leader of the regional activist group Georgia Abroad.
"The terrorist attack [at the Domodedovo airport] is one of the consequences of the policy of ousting Russia from the Caucasus," Giorgadze said at a press conference at the Interfax main office on Tuesday.
The preservation of Russia's influence in that region and good relations with Moscow are an important factor of stability and Georgia's statehood, Giorgadze said. "Our statehood is impossible without close contacts and, if you will, strategic partnership with Russia. I talked about this at the outset of our state's emergence," Giorgadze said.
In commenting on attempts by Georgian opposition figures to arrange dialogue with Moscow, Giorgadze suggested that these steps are basically helpful although overdue. "The same people who were proud only yesterday to harm Russia are now beating a path to the Kremlin's door. I won't be sarcastic about this. Even if it's a bit late, better late than never," he said.