Rubin, Ivanishvili discuss Georgian-Russian relations
By Sabina Idayatova
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric Rubin and Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili have discussed settlement of the strained Georgian-Russian relations in Tbilisi.
At the end of the meeting, which Ivanishvili said was held behind closed doors, the Georgian PM expressed hope for US assistance in the fence-mending process. According to him, bilateral relations were discussed as well.
"It was a warm and friendly meeting. I thanked Rubin for the US assistance," he said.
Ivanishvili stressed that the past 20 years have proved that the U.S. "is a true partner of Georgia."
Ivanishvili also expressed confidence that the new Georgian government will do more to "deepen" relations between Georgia and the United States.
The agenda of Rubin's three-day visit to Tbilisi also includes meetings with Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze and National Security Council Secretary Giga Bokeria.
The State Department official will also participate at a meeting of the working group on defense and security, established under the US-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership. He is also scheduled to meet with other government officials, representatives of non-governmental and international organizations.
Rubin paid his first visit to Georgia on October 16, about two weeks after the parliamentary election in the country, which was won by Ivanishvili's opposition coalition and was followed by the formation of a new government in which Ivanishvili serves as prime minister.
Besides the Georgian PM, Rubin met with President Mikheil Saakashvili. He said Tbilisi reaffirmed its policy of strengthening democracy, which is indicated by a transfer of power to the opposition.
The United States supports the deepening of Georgian-American relations, which help Georgia in its democratic and economic reforms.