Kokoity Seeks Talks with Saakashvili

South Ossetia leader Eduard Kokoity said on December 14 while meeting with Georgian journalists in Tskhinvali said he is ready ?to hold talks with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.?

Earlier, on December 12, Eduard Kokoity proposed the development of a joint ?three-stage? plan for resolution of the South Ossetian conflict. This plan basically coincides with Tbilisi?s peace initiatives.

The South Ossetian leader said that the three-stage plan over a resolution to the South Ossetian conflict was unveiled by him as far back as 2002.

?The South Ossetian [de facto] President unveiled a three-stage plan in 2002. Maybe many of you were present when we were speaking about confidence building, economic rehabilitation of the conflict zone and a political settlement,? Eduard Kokoity said. 

?I am much obliged to Mr. Saakashvili for unveiling my idea at the UN General Assembly [in September 2004]. However, it is not the main thing who will first unveil it. The most important thing is who will start its implementation,? the South Ossetian leader said.

Eduard Kokoity also stressed Russia?s role in the process of conflict resolution. ?Russia?s contribution is huge. Only Russia gives the impulse to restore mutual understanding and mutual trust,? he added.

The South Ossetian leader urged the Georgian side to assess the events the occurred between 1989-91. This provision is also included in Kokoity?s peace plan.

?This aggression should be assessed. I am grateful at those political forces and those Georgian politicians who make similar statements today. This is a strong, crucial step towards conflict resolution,? Eduard Kokoity said.

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