Estonian formin discusses PACE with Georgian counterpart

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu and his Georgian counterpart David Zalkaliani discussed the recent vote in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and Russia's possible return to the assembly in a phone call on Tuesday evening.

Reinsalu expressed Estonia's unwavering support for Georgia, spokespeople for the Foreign Ministry in Tallinn said.

"Estonia stands with you during these kinds of bad decisions. The violations of international law and human rights committed by Russia in the occupied territories of Georgia clearly contradict the principles of the Council of Europe; it is our duty to firmly block Russia's aggression in Georgia," Reinsalu said.

The Estonian minister reaffirmed his support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

The ministers also touched upon the demonstrations in Tbilisi. Reinsalu welcomed the fact that an investigation has been launched into the violence used during the demonstration of June 21. The Estonian minister stressed that the only solution was to engage in an all-inclusive political dialogue. He expressed hope that the parties would act peacefully and in line with the broader interests of Georgia.

Reinsalu also condemned the restrictive measures that Russia has imposed in an attempt to exert economic pressure on Georgia.