Saakashvili Accuses Russia of Militarizing Breakaway Regions

President Mikheil Saakashvili said at a news conference on September 9, that Russia support militarization of the breakaway South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

?We are watching the conflict zones closely. Militarization is underway with the Russian assistance. We should find new approach with Russia… This [conflict in South Ossetia] is not a problem between Ossetians and Georgians; this is a problem between Russia and Georgia. We should settle our relations over this territory [South Ossetia],? Saakashvili said.

?I have talked about this with Putin and I am expecting pragmatic response now,? he added.

He said that Georgia will solve conflicts through peaceful means, ?but we will respond to any provocation.?

?Peaceful resolution of conflicts rests on our development and strength. Time is on our side… We should be patient,? he said.

He also said that the United States has expressed ?for the first time? readiness to actively participate in the peace process to solve conflicts in Georgia. ?This is of great importance,? Saakashvili said.

?So our policy is to peacefully solve conflicts, but we will not tolerate provocations and no status quo,? he added.

?These territories [Abkhazia, South Ossetia] were, are and will always be our territories,? Saakashvili said.

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