Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani stated that NATO's position on Georgia and Ukraine is firm, and that they (partner nations) would inform Russia during NATO-Russia talks that the alliance's stance on both countries will not be amended.

Russia and NATO representatives met in Brussels for talks aimed at defusing rising tensions over Russia's military build-up near Ukraine's border. Russia has requested security assurances from NATO and the United States, including pledges that NATO will not admit Ukraine or Georgia to the military alliance.

In response, Zalkaliani stated that Georgia has lately had extensive discussion with its primary strategic allies, NATO and the United States. Our (Georgia's) partners' stance, he stated, is robust.

"Despite the demands and the very harsh rhetoric that we (the Georgian government) heard from Russia; the position of our western partners is very solid. They made it clear to Russia once again that security guarantees and membership of the alliance will be decided by the countries themselves,” Zalkaliani said.

Zalkaliani also noted that the decision was made in 2008 at the Bucharest Summit to have Georgia and Ukraine eventually become members of the alliance.

"Moreover, we (Georgia) have a guarantee that clearer decisions will be made over Georgia’s integration to NATO at the Madrid Summit this year,” Zalkaliani said.

FM Zalkaliani also said he does not expect Russia to radically change its position and become consistent in its approaches to the common Euro-Atlantic and European security system, “as it is a long process.”