Russian-Baltic relations solid but shaky

RIGA- Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Veshnyakov does not think that the Latvian-Russian relations have deteriorated, but their future depends on Latvian politicians.

"We have all the chances to keep up the relations and implement everything that has been planned for this year. We, politicians, understand that our nation should not suffer," the ambassador said.

He also voiced hopes that Latvia's decisions to support Georgia, which "have been based on the principle of solidarity than on objective information", will not leave a negative impact on the relations between both countries, on which Russiahas worked so hard.

Veshnyakov said that only now Georgia's real goals for joining NATO are clear.

"There is hardly anybody to believe now that Georgiawishes to strengthen Euro-Atlantic values and democracy. I hope that our western partners have now noticed Georgia's democracy," said the ambassador.

Veshnyakov said that he has received information about a meeting, which is being prepared in Georgia, to announce the victory of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. The diplomat voiced hopes that it might not be true and Georgiadoes not aim to turn Russiaagainst the western countries.

He said that Russia's aim has not been to overthrow Georgia's government, but he admitted that Russiaearlier said that cooperation would have been better with another head of the state.

The ambassador appreciated Latvian Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis' visit to Georgia, but only if he obtains comprehensive information, not just the opinion of one side.

Veshnyakov also said that his personal opinion is that an international tribune should be set up to punish Georgiafor its actions. "Responsibility should be taken for such rubbish," he said.

Russian schools and universities are getting ready to receive refugees from Ossetiaand helping victims of the military activities, said the ambassador.

Georgia has been engaged in armed hostilities with Russiasince last Friday when it sent its troops into its breakaway region of South Ossetia, which unilaterally declared independence from Georgiain 1990, albeit unrecognized by any nation.