Spokesperson of the President Gela Charkviani held a briefing today regarding the announcement of the Russian Duma made on 13 May. Spokesperson Charkviani stressed that the massage on the withdrawal of Russian bases from the Georgian territory, sent by Duma to President Putin and the Russian government, would not promote the improvement of Russian Georgian relationships, though added that the negotiations were under way, and despite varying opinions, progress was quite apparent.

"It would be better if working on this issue continues without any hullabaloo and agitation, in a calm environment," the Spokesperson said adding that the decision of the Georgia Parliament was still valid and would not yet be put into operation with all due force since the foreign ministers of the two countries might come to an agreement.

"We should take into consideration that certain forces may start provocations and break the negotiations. We must not let anybody do it," Spokesperson Charkviani said.

Communications Office
of the President of Georgia