Georgia’s Patriarch congratulates Vladimir Putin on his election as President

N.Kirtzkhalia
13/3/2012

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II has congratulated Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on his victory in the presidential election. The Patriarchate of Georgia told Trend that Ilia II sent a congratulatory message to Putin.

“Please accept my congratulations on your election as president. I think that your vast experience will contribute to peace and prosperity in your home,” the message notes.

The Georgian Patriarch reminded the Russian leader that the Georgians and Russians are nations of the same faith that brings them together. “But neither Georgia nor our church will accept the fact that we are torn away from our territories – Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region,” he said.

The patriarch says however despite “certain difficulties, restoration of good neighborly relations between Russia and Georgia is possible, which is feasible with the triumph of historic justice”.

“We are confident that sooner or later Georgia’s territorial integrity will be restored, but it would be a good thing if it happens during your presidency,” says the message of the Georgian Patriarch, who wished Putin health, and Russia – prosperity.

It should be noted that the Georgian authorities did not congratulate Putin on his election as president.

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