EU deal is historic day for Georgia, says president

Newly elected Georgian President said the initial signing of a European Union agreement on Nov. 29 is a 'historic' day for his country.

Officials signed an EU association agreement that would allow better ease of travel and trade for Georgia.

"Its a historic day for Georgia. Today we sign an association agreement with Europe. Its a milestone in our national foreign policy development," Margvelashvili told reporters on Nov. 28.

"Generations of Georgians have been engaged in carving this agreement. Georgians are Europeans. I don't have to convince Georgians this was the right decision."

Speaking about Russia- Georgia relations, the president said he was 'cautious'  about possible Russian pressure but believed the agreement would benefit his neighbors to the north.

He said: "The reduction of tension with Russia is bringing a rational discussion about its national interests.

"We're successful in showing Russia that Georgia is not an enemy. The association agreement is the way we believe we're going to solve problematic issues of Abkhazia and Ossetia." 

Elsewhere, Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca told reporters that his country was drawing closer to eventual European Union membership, despite support for the idea diminishing in his country.

Moldovan officials skimmed through 1,000 pages of European Union association agreement that would grant residents better ease of travel in the EU.