KAZAN, Russia, Aug. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili stated here on Saturday that the problem concerning Georgia's withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent of States (CIS) is not discussed in the country.

    "One should not regard our deep cooperation with Ukraine as an alternative to CIS. It does not replace CIS in any way. A possibility of Georgia's withdrawal from CIS was not discussed," Saakashvili told a press conference here.

    According to Saakashvili, Georgia does not believe that the potentialities of CIS have been exhausted. "They are far from being exhausted. But CIS is facing some problems, which should be settled. It could be turned into a more effective organization. Atthe same time, we should use what we have," the Georgian leader said.

    Saakashvili stressed that the processes taking place in Georgiaare due to the desire of the nation to become more democratic and to be closer to Europe. The same process of democratization is going on in Ukraine, he added.

    Speaking about the declaration signed by Georgian and Ukrainianpresidents in Borzhomi on Aug. 12, Saakashvili said it "reflects adeliberate choice of the two nations in favor of democracy", noting "this was not done as a revenge against somebody, or as a step directed against some other country."

    He also pointed out that neither he nor his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yushchenko plans to build a "sanitary cordon" around Russia. "These are allegations by narrow-minded people," hesaid.

    Commenting on the CIS summit held here on Friday, the presidentsaid that the meeting proceeded in a calm atmosphere and there were no heated disputes. "The CIS is a format and mechanism for consultations," Saakashvili said.

    Referring to the relations between Georgia and Russia, the president emphasized "We need to be guided by our common interestsin this matter. We have common interests with Russia. Our common interests outweigh our disagreements. And we should be governed bythis approach." Enditem