Saakashvili Speaks of Relations with Russia, Secessionist Regions

In an interview to the Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta, published on January 12, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili expressed hope that Georgia and Russia will sign a comprehensive framework agreement by the end of 2005.

?We are currently working over a framework agreement. In February we expect a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Tbilisi. I think that we will be able to authenticate this agreement. And I hope to sign this agreement, together with Russian President Vladimir Putin, this year. I have wanted him [Vladimir Putin] to visit Georgia for a long time already. He is always a welcome guest here,? Mikheil Saakashvili said.

He also said that he has no ?personal problems? with Vladimir Putin. ?I feel very comfortable with him,? the Georgian President added.

Saakashvili said that unfortunately a ?paranoid stance? prevails among the Russian politicians, ?as if Russia is being besieged from all sides.?

?Unfortunately, Russia has problems in the international arena in general? Georgia has become part of this process. And we do not want to be a battlefield in some kind of standoff between the West and Russia,? Mikheil Saakashvili said.

He also spoke about the Abkhaz and South Ossetian conflicts and reiterated, once again, that Tbilisi is determined to solve these conflicts through peaceful means.

?There can be only a political solution of these problems. Military means are the worst solution. Of course we are strengthening our army, but it is part of the process, which involves the strengthening of society and the state,? Saakashvili said.

Saakashvili said that ?positive trends? have occurred recently in regard to resolving the South Ossetian conflict; however, he added that ?these [trends] are still far from a desired result.?

?In January we will present our official proposals [over conflict resolution] to Sokhumi and Tskhinvali. We do not expect an immediate positive response from the authorities of the unrecognized republics. But we expect a reaction from ordinary people,? Mikheil Saakashvili added.