Russian and Georgian presidents discuss problems

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Georgian counterpart Eduard Shevardnadze held a telephone conversation on Monday to discuss topical aspects of bilateral relations in the light of recent Russo-Georgian contacts at various levels. The situation in the Pankisi Gorge was raised while the leaders considered interaction issues in the anti-terrorist sphere.

The Russian presidential press service disclosed this information today, pointing out that the conversation had been held on the initiative of the Georgian side.

Mr. Shevardnadze congratulated Vladimir Putin on the successful conclusion of the Russo-American summit, the results of which he said were the biggest breakthrough since the end of the cold war.