“Russian imperialism has not tarnished European unity,” Mikhail Saakashvili told FRANCE 24. Despite the absence of sanctions toward Russia, the Georgian president said he is satisfied with the extraordinary EU summit that took place Monday. The decision to suspend negotiations over a partnership with Russia constitutes, in his mind, “a very important step,” one that will allow the EU to “take time to react.”

The head of the rotating EU presidency, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, along with EC president José Manuel Barroso, are to meet on September 8 in Moscow and Tbisili to attempt to envorce a total retreat of Russian forces from Georgian territory. Saakashvili expressed his “gratitude” toward the EU and heaped praise upon the French president, whom he deemed “very impressive in his diplomatic approach and in his declarations.” The Georgian president that he looks forward to a visit from Sarkozy, whom he considers “a real leader of Europe.”

President Saakashvili also stated unambiguously that he is ready for dialogue with Moscow. “We have to talk to the occupying forces; there is no alternative to dialogue.” He said he wished to remain “optimistic”, as he believes that “Georgian democracy will overcome the crisis.”

Speaking via satellite from his office in Tbilisi, bedecked with the star-studded EU flag, Saakashvili concluded: “The Georgians have shown that they are deeply European.”