Georgian leader urges EU to mediate with Russia

(LONDON) - Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili urged the European Union on Wednesday to help Tbilisi mend its ties with Moscow -- warning that conflict could break out again with its former Soviet master.

Russian forces remain in the breakaway regions of Abhazia and South Ossetia, two years after the brief 2008 war between Russia and the former Soviet republic.

"These territories are de facto annexed by Russia ... I'm worried today that a new invasion is still possible," Saakashvili told the Chatham House thinktank in London.

"If bullies are not challenged they become bolder," he warned.

"This is a status quo but somebody should step in and make things clear. Europe has to play a role. We are flexible but somebody in good faith should negotiate.

"We need your help. Europe has all the leverage. When Europe talked with a united voice, there were many second thoughts in Moscow," he continued.

Russia unilaterally recognised the independence of Abkhazia and another rebel region, South Ossetia, after its brief war with Georgia in August 2008, a move that was broadly condemned by the international community.

Only three other countries -- Venezuela, Nicaragua and the tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru -- have followed Moscow's lead in recognising their independence.

The Georgian leader, who came to power in 2003 on the back of the so-called Rose Revolution, said his government has had no talks with Russia since the 2008 conflict.

But he added: "I'm sure one day we'll peacefully overcome the occupation."