TBILISI, DFWatch – The Georgian Patriarch congratules Vladimir Putin with having been elected as president of Russia.

Polls have shown Patriarch Ilia II to be the most respected person among the Georgian population.

His administration has published the text of the congratulation letter sent to Moscow, which in its entirety reads as follows:

“To his Excellency, the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Your Excellency, Mr. President!

Receive our congratulations on your being elected to a higher position the president of Russia. We think your experience will contribute to strengthen peace and welfare in your state.

Russians and Georgians are nations of common faith, which puts us closer, but neither Georgia nor our Church will ever get used to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region being extracted from the bosom of our homeland.

But we think, despite all the difficulties, it’s quite possible to restore friendly relations between Russia and Georgia, which only will happen if historical justice prevails.

We are sure that sooner or later Georgia’s territorial integrity will be established, but it would be good if this happens during your government.

Wish you health and prosperity to your country.

Sincerely, Ilia II, Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch, Arcbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia.”