12:16, 17 March 2004

Georgian president to discuss situation around Adjaria with Luzhkov

Secretary of the Russian Security Council Igor Ivanov asked Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili to receive Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and discuss the situation around Adоaria with him, reported the press service of the Russian Security Council.

On the instruction of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr Ivanov held a telephone conversation with Mikhail Saakashvili in connection with the situation around Adjaria, the Russian Security Council reported.

"Igor Ivanov pointed out that the efforts of the Moscow Mayor in the interests of establishing a dialogue between Tbilisi and Batumi were supported by the Russian leadership and asked the Georgian President to receive Mr Luzhkov for discussing this issue," the press service reported.

"Mr Saakashvili agreed," the Security Council said.

Mr Ivanov confirmed Russia's respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. He also pointed out that "the problems that arose between Tbilisi and Batumi can and should be settled by political means, by way of a constructive dialogue."

Editors note: See also the article "Moscow mayor meets with Abashidze in Adjaria".

Source: RIA Novosti