NATO Exercises in Georgia Anger Russia
Matthew Collin, Al-Jazeera | May 13, 2009
The launch of NATO military exercises in Georgia – the latest effort in Tbilisi’s campaign for membership of the alliance - has angered Russia. ++ Georgia believes NATO is pivotal to its security and independence, but Russia has labelled the exercises as “dangerous” and “provocative”. ++ Many Georgians were disappointed NATO has not yet granted the country membership and their future hopes look dim because Russia is building up its military presence in the area. ++ The situation could “remain unstable and even explosive for years.”
