A delegation of Israeli lawmakers is visiting war-torn Georgia.
The four-day trip, reported by the Georgian Times, comes in the aftermath of the Russian-Georgian armed conflict, which presented a dilemma for Israel. Israel and the former Soviet republic of Georgia have had a seven-year defense relationship in which Israel has provided defense and surveillance equipment, as well as training to its troops. Several of Georgia’s top officials also have close ties to Israel. But Israel also sees Russia as a go-between for contact with Arab states and is wary of Moscow selling weapons to regimes in Tehran and Damascus.
The delegation is slated to meet several government leaders, including Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili and Prime Minister Lado Gurgenidze. The delegation is scheduled to tour areas damaged by the Russian military on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they will meet with Minister of State Temur Lakobashvili, Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili and President Mikhail Saakashvili.
The delegation is also slated to meeting with Jewish residents.
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