The role of deepening cooperation with the European Parliament, democratic development of the country, and resolutions passed regarding Russia were the main topics of discussion during the meeting of the President of Georgia and the President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, Jean-Claude Mignon. As the President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly noted it is important to consider the resolutions which the assembly has passed regarding de-occupation of Georgian territories and dealing with humanitarian problems. In his turn, Mikheil Saakashvili thanked him for assessing the Russian-Georgian war correctly. Mignon expressed readiness to assist in fulfillment of obligations envisioned by the resolution.

After the meeting, Mikheil Saakashvili and Jean-Claude Mignon answered questions by the media.

“Every government of Georgia including mine tried from the very beginning to restore relations with Russia. We had a great desire to do this. Everybody wants to have a good relationship with Russia, but the truth is that Russia is the country which has 20% of our territory occupied, where ethnic cleansing took place, and it keeps going on today. I personally have a fundamental difference with the new government on the following issue: the new government has made a statement that for us Armenia’s relationship with Russia is exemplary because they have a similar relationship to NATO and Russia simultaneously. I do not support the idea that Georgia has to be as distanced from NATO and European structures as it is from Russia.

I think we should have a good relationship with Russia, but Armenia does not want to become a member of NATO and I respect that but Georgia has no other choice than the European Union and NATO! We must also respect this! Georgia has paid a big price for its Euro Atlantic choice… I think that such statements are fundamentally wrong. I think this is temporary. We want normal relations with Russia. I was an initiator of Russia’s membership in the WTO and normal trade relations with them, as well as visa free travel.

I must note that the greatest number of Russian tourists visited Georgia during the time when we were in the government…we are open for Russia but I will never allow change of the country’s foreign policy! Our foreign policy is integration in the Euro Atlantic structures…

Our values are European! Cooperation exists, but not cohabitation between authoritarianism and democracy” – stated the President of Georgia.