President Mikheil Saakashvili, who described Georgian Parliament?s resolution against Russian military bases as ?sharp? said on March 11, that in case the special bilateral commission over pullout of these bases makes progress in two months it will be ?a joint victory of diplomacy? of Russia and Georgia.
?We have a firm position regarding the military bases. I hope that we will reach an agreement in a civilized way, in which Russia?s interests will not be infringed and Georgia?s sovereignty and independence will be defended,? the President added.
He also pledged to provide alternative employment to local population of Akhalkalaki and Batumi, who are currently working at the Russian military bases.
?I do not want to create any problems to these people; the Georgian authorities will support them,? the Georgian President said on March 11, while meeting with journalists from the provincial television stations.