Georgia, Tbilisi, Jan.23 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /
Georgia will always be on the verge of losing its independence, if it does not normalize relations with Russia, Georgian ex-president Eduard Shevardnadze said in an interview with Asaval-Dasavali newspaper.
Shevardnadze said he believes in "sincerity" of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who expressed readiness to hold a dialogue with "Georgian society", but not with the authorities.
"Saakashvili's power cannot and do not want to settle relations with Moscow, which lead to deplorable results," he underscored.
Shevardnadze once again stressed that billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili's coming to power could normalize relations with Georgia. "
"It's his ability and, certainly, it will positively impact on Georgia and its unity," he said.
Shevardnadze expressed confidence that Ivanishvili and his team will be able to win parliamentary elections of 2012 and Georgia "once again will establish relations with Russia."
Military actions were launched in the Georgian territory, South Ossetia on Aug.8 in 2008. Later the Russian troops occupied the Tskhinvali city and drove the Georgian military back. Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late August. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced two unrecognized republics as the occupied territories.