Eduard Shevardnadze

“I believe that with the help of foreign countries - and under that condition only, because they have no other source of financing - the new government may temporarily extricate Georgia from the current situation.”

“Prospects of normalizing our relations with Russia look good.”

“Corruption has its own motivations, and one has to thoroughly study that phenomenon and eliminate the foundations that allow corruption to exist.”

“You know in the West they support realistic forces.”

“I was a member of the Politburo for seven years, a foreign minister.”

“When I came back to power, Georgia was completely isolated on the international stage.”

“We also have a real opportunity to join NATO.”

“I believe politicians should always remain realistic.”

“But the Americans have no extra money. They have their own problems. They can provide financial assistance for two, three, four, or six months at most.”

“But eradicating corruption is not enough to sustain a country.”

“Even the pyramids might one day disappear, but not the Palestinians longing for their homeland.”

“In my life I have always found ways of dealing with a situation.”

“I couldn't stand the idea of bloodshed, casualties.”

“True, other countries are helping us. Germany is determined to provide substantial help. So are the Netherlands and other states. But a day will come when we have to count on our own resources.”

“I am not responsible for the actions of Saakashvili and even for those of Gamsakhurdia.”

“They're making a song and dance because that serves their immediate interests. But what will happen tomorrow? They will have to pay salaries and pensions.”

“You know, to address crowds and make promises does not require very much brains.”

“To sum up, what has been our policy? We looked for and found friends all throughout the world.”

“I don't want to go down in history as a man who allowed blood to be shed.”

“Germany is determined to provide substantial help. So are the Netherlands and other states. But a day will come when we have to count on our own resources.”