Nov 16, 2006

Abkhazia: Saakashvili Vows Peace Settlement


Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has assured European Parliament deputies of readiness to resolve disputes exclusively through dialog.

Below is an article published by ITAR-TASS News Agency:

STRASBOURG, November 14 (Itar-Tass) -- Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has assured European Parliament deputies of the readiness to resolve disputable issues with Abkhazia and South Ossetia exclusively through dialog.

Georgia is being guided with common European values and plans to resolve 21st century problems with this century’s methods and principles, he said.

Saakashvili is an honorary guest of the European Parliament’s November session.

Georgia will not waive its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but it is also ready to respect and protect the rights of national minorities – Abkhazians and Ossetians – and take care of their future,” he said. “Georgia is a multi-ethnic state, and this is its strength and weakness. We are ready to resolve problems of Abkhazia and South Ossetia through dialog, and we appeal to all parties from the European Parliament rostrum for resuming the dialog and holding calm and constructive negotiations.”

Saakashvili quoted from the statements by the Council of Europe and the European Union at a press conference that followed his speech. The organizations said that the South Ossetian referendum did not assist the search for peace political settlement and would not be recognized by the international community.

Georgia and Russia should pool efforts in the search for an acceptable autonomous status for the two republics with due account of modern requirements,” Saakashvili said.