TBILISI, FEBRUARY 12, RIA NOVOSTI - A rapprochement with Russia would help Georgia to reinstate its territorial integrity, President Mikhail Saakashvili said to a news conference in Tbilisi, while summing up his visit to Moscow.
"Russia will not bring Georgia any of its lands on a tray as a gift dish. It is up to Georgia alone to regain its lands-but improved relations with Russia will make the situation beneficial to restore Georgian territorial integrity." A change of regime in Abkhazia will give the rebellious autonomy a "landmark chance to come to an agreement with Georgia's central authorities", he added.
Vladislav Ardzinba's presidential term is expiring this year. He has been heading Abkhazia, self-proclaimed republic within Georgia, for ten years now.
