Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli has again stressed that his government seeks a peaceful resolution of the conflict over his country's breakaway region of Abkhazia
But Mr. Nogaideli, who is visiting the United States, told VOA Georgian Service that any resolution must take into account Georgia's territorial integrity.
The Georgian official said that all the people of Abkhazia, including some 250,000 who were forced to flee the area, should take part in determining the future of the republic. He said this was the thrust of his message Tuesday to the United Nations Security Council.
Mr. Nogaideli arrives in Washington later Wednesday for a meeting with U.S. officials and business executives.
Mr. Nogaideli's Washington agenda includes meetings with U.S. Deputy National Security advisor Jack Crouch and Deputy Trade representative John Veroneau.
Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia in the early 1990s, sparking a war. Its government has no international recognition. Georgia accuses Russian peacekeepers of encouraging the separatists and vows to being Abkhazia back under central government control.