Georgia rejects use of force to restore territorial unity

Georgia has declared that it will not use force to restore territorial
unity, as a demonstration of its peaceful intentions, Georgian
President Mikhail Saakashvili said at the European Parliament, RIA
Novosti reports.

The president’s speech was broadcast by the Rustavi-2 TV channel.
Saakashvili said that Georgia will only defend itself if the remaining
80% of its territory comes under threat.

After a five-day war in August 2008, Russia recognized the
independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Tbilisi has called
Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories and has broken off all
diplomatic relations with Russia.