Pravda, Russia
March 12 2004

Mikhail Saakashvili: Armenia can help Georgia repair relations with Russia

Armenia is a nation which today enjoys the greatest recognition among
the countries of the region, said Georgian President Mikhail
Saakashvili in an interview Friday with the Armenian newspaper, Azg.
In his view, Armenia retains its attraction, ‘in addition to which,
she has a centuries-old history of friendship with the West and
Russia, and all that must be used in the interest of the entire
region.’

Mikhail Saakashvili likewise noted that he has hopes for the
‘economic and juridical union of Georgia and Armenia.’ ‘I want to
share our experience. For example, right now we are trying to
normalize relations with Russia. I think that in this respect Armenia
can be of help to us, insofar as she maintains close ties of
friendship with Russia,’ the Georgian president said.

In addition, he said that he hoped during his visit to Armenia to
learn and adopt a great deal from President Kocharian, ‘everything
that can be adopted.’