Georgian PM expects fair approach from U.S. for resetting bilateral relations

TBILISI. Aug 12 (Interfax) - Georgia has made tangible steps to reset its relations with the United States and looks forward to reciprocal steps from Washington, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said.

"I had a meeting with [U.S.] Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Mike Turner a few days ago, where I explained how we see a reset of Georgian-American relations so as not to replay the mistakes made over the past four years," Kobakhidze told journalists on Monday.

A reset of Georgian-U.S. bilateral relations requires "a fair, correct, and healthy" approach, Kobakhidze said. "For our part, we have made tangible steps. We are in waiting mode and look forward to reciprocal steps from our American counterparts," he said.

He also commented on Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili's recent remarks suggesting that the government was preparing to rig the parliamentary election in October.

"Salome Zourabichvili's statements are irrelevant. She is a puppet of the [United] National Movement [an opposition party founded by former President Mikheil Saakashvili]. She is the president of the National Movement rather than the president of Georgia," Kobakhidze said.