Georgian President calls on all political forces to unite around idea of rapprochement with EU

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili called on all political forces in Georgia to find common ground and not to miss the historic chance of rapprochement with the EU.

This was stated by the president at a joint news conference with European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle on Tuesday.

"We have a chance, we still have a chance to get a perspective at the Vilnius summit of EU for joining the organization, so we need internal peace and cohabitation. We must not lose this perspective for years. If we do not manage to get into the train, the prospect of EU integration will be suspended for many years," he stressed.

Saakashvili stated that it was the reason why he and his team urged the parliament to pass constitutional amendments declaring Georgia's willingness to become a member of the EC, and not of any other political association.

"These items are contained in constitutions of Croatia, Lithuania and other countries, and I think are acceptable to us as well," he said.

Saakashvili said that the remaining period until the summit in Vilnius should be used for achievement of coordinated action.

"For this, I am ready to meet frequently with the Prime Minister and solve our problems through negotiations. We have an historic opportunity and must work together to use it. It is time to put an end to 'Chinese whispers' and start personal contacts with the prime minister," he said.