Saakashvili Comments on Ties with Russia

President Saakashvili said he will visit Minsk on November 28, where CIS leaderswill gather at a CIS summit, but he said it is not yet clear whether a bilateral meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will take place or not.

?I do not know whether this meeting will take place or not. But if this meeting does not take place, let them [the Russian side] be responsible for the failure [to hold talks]. I will definitely go to the summit, because, first of all, I plan talks with other colleagues. I want to meet other CIS leaders because we have very intensive bilateral relations with these countries and these ties are as important for us as ties with Russia. I hope we will be able to exchange opinions with President Putin as well. It has always been easy for me to talk with him. And there is no time to sulk, there is no place for sulking in politics. I think it is in Russia?s interests as well to de-escalate tensions,? Saakashvili told reporters.

Saakashvili also said that he does not expect any problems in respect to energy supplies this winter.
 
?Everything is going according to our expectations. We do not expect any major problems, no problems at all. For the first time in its history, Georgia is able to export electricity [in the winter period]. In respect to gas, I can say that when we have a surplus in electricity it means that we need less gas, but we will have gas as well based on the negotiations that are currently underway. We will foil the hopes of those who think that something apocalyptic will occur in Georgia,? the Georgian President said.

Saakashvili reiterated that Russia?s embargo will not harm Georgia, saying that instead it will make the country?s economy stronger.

Saakashvili joked that ?Russia?s embargo against Georgia was a very successful operation staged by our special services.?

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