63 percent of Georgians said Russia is the biggest threat to their country
In a poll published by the National Democratic Institute, 63% of Georgians consider Russia to be the biggest threat to their country, Georgia Online reports.
"When asked which country poses the greatest threat to Georgia, 63% of the population named Russia while 6% chose Turkey and 5% said the United States of America," the report said.
When asked which country would best ensure Georgia’s security, 35% answered the United States while 12% said Georgia itself and 10% believed Russia would be best.
The survey was conducted from April 7 to 28 throughout Georgia, with the exception of the uncontrolled territories. 2,493 direct interviews took place on the basis of the representative selection.
Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Moscow after Russia recognized the sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008. The two autonomous regions were part of Georgia.
The European Union does not recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, declaring its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.
The legal status of South Ossetia as an independent republic was recognized by only five states: Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Tuvalu.
Last March, the Russian government approved an agreement on integrating the South Ossetia military into the Russian army.