Lukashenko to visit Georgia at Saakashvili's invitation
MINSK. Jan 15 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko hopes for the Georgian return to the CIS and says Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has invited him to visit Georgia.
"I think I will be able to discuss that with the Georgian leaders, Saakashvili and Ivanishvili, soon. Saakashvili has sent me an invitation and I think I will pay a visit soon," Lukashenko told Belarusian and foreign reporters on Tuesday.
Lukashenko said he had held consultations "with certain circles, among them influential politicians" to discuss prospects for the restoration of Georgian membership in the CIS.
"I just said in a human way that Georgia should come back to the CIS, even if it has to take several steps. It is most important that we stay together and be a part of the common process," the president said.
Lukashenko noted though that the new Georgian administration "was not eager" to return to the CIS so far. "I cannot say that the new Georgian administration is eager to take this move. I think that would be a test for the Georgian leadership. If you do not want to come back even to the CIS, this means someone is holding you tight," the chief of state remarked.
The president presumed the United States might have wanted to strengthen its influence in the region.
"You may be unable to get along with Russia for some reason. But why not use this floor just to communicate with us? Why don't you want that?" the president wondered.