27/11/13 07:09 from Reuters: International TBILISI (Reuters) - Five years after it fought a war with Russia, Georgia is preparing to defy its former Soviet masters again by initialing an accord on strengthening ties with Europe

» Five years after war, Georgia defies Russia over Europe
27/11/13 07:09 from Reuters: International
TBILISI (Reuters) - Five years after it fought a war with Russia, Georgia is preparing to defy its former Soviet masters again by initialing an accord on strengthening ties with Europe. 

Despite Russia's concerns, Tbilisi will initial the accord on deepening trade and other cooperation with the EU on Friday at a summit in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.

It expects to sign the final agreement next year and hopes Moscow will adopt a warmer policy towards it as it tries in the long term to join NATO and the EU.

"I think that in the long run it's in Russia's interests to resolve political disputes between our countries," he said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stepped up pressure on former Soviet republics hoping to move closer to Europe on Tuesday by warning that they would face "years of economic turmoil", including higher unemployment and lower living standards.

Moldova, another former Soviet republic, is also defying the warnings and will initial an agreement on closer ties with the EU in Vilnius.

Ukraine had been expected to sign an association agreement in Vilnius, allowing it to join a free trade area with the bloc. But after months of Russian warnings over gas supply cuts and trade restrictions, Kiev changed its mind last week and said it would rebuild economic ties with Moscow instead.

M.N. comments: Putin's policy of opposing the European integration trend for the Western part of FSSSR is irrational and short-sighted. It is another sign of neo-stalinist isolationism and "Great-Russian ("Veliko-Russkiy") nationalism, chauvinism and insecurity. If anything, Russia will eventually benefit from this trend because in due time it will be extended to herself, not formally, by the paper agreements, but effectively and factually. This trend should be hailed and encouraged, especially in regard to Ukraine and other nearby countries. 
Think about "zis", Wolodimir; and think hard: "zis" is a very serious issue. 

See also:  EDITORIAL - NYT: Vladimir Putin Clings to the Past - November 20, 2013

» Ukraine Still Without Support Deal With Russia
27/11/13 06:56 from WSJ.com: World News
Ukraine hasn't reached a final deal on potential financial support from Russia after abandoning a pact with the EU but plans to hold talks early December.