"I want to stress that we are always ready to hold talks with Russia, at any level, but the talks must be based on the fact that a considerable part of Georgia is illegally occupied by Russia," Mikheil Saakashvili said.
Russia recognized the disputed Georgian republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states on August 26 after a five-day war with Georgia, which launched an attack on South Ossetia to try and regain control of the region. Georgia and Russia maintain no diplomatic ties at the moment
"All our talks and agreements must be based on unconditional respect of territorial integrity and recognition of Georgia's independence as well as respect of the freedom of people's will," he said.
Saakashvili also reiterated that Georgia was preparing to sign a framework agreement on a strategic partnership with the United States.
He said that the main aim of this document "is to make the country stronger, to achieve unity, stability and peaceful development."
Abkhazia and South Ossetia have so far only been recognized by Russia and Nicaragua. Belarus has said it may recognize the breakaway regions in the future, and Venezuela has voiced support for Russia's move.
