TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia will compete in next year's Winter Olympics hosted by Russia, the country's Olympic committee decided unanimously, marking an ease in ties between the two countries that fought a five-day war in 2008.
"The committee decided that Georgia should participate, and I think it's a very good decision," Leri Khabelov, the committee president, said after the decision late Thursday. "I'm glad that our sportsmen have not been preparing for these Olympic Games in vain."
He said Georgia would send an official request to participate to the International Olympic Committee before May 7.
Russia and Georgia severed ties following the 2008 war, which followed years of tension over Moscow's support for two rebel regions, including Abkhazia, which lies just kilometers from Sochi, where Russia is spending more than $50 billion to host the games.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
