Georgia calls for Russia talks to halt 'definitive estrangement'
(08-18 15:30)
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili called for negotiations with Russia to prevent relations between the two countries slipping into "definitive estrangement'', in a televised address.
"We demand the withdrawal of the [Russian] occupation forces without delay. Let's then start thinking, negotiating how can we prevent the definitive estrangement of our two countries,'' he said.
Since Russian troops advanced deep into Georgian territory in the conflict over Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia region, Saakashvili has repeatedly launched vehement verbal attacks against Moscow.
Until now, the Georgian president has rarely spoken of talking directly to Moscow and his latest comments appear to represent a more conciliatory line.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE |
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