TBILISI, February 14 (RIA Novosti) - The Georgian president said Tuesday that acquiring the status of a NATO candidate-state was a priority for his country in 2006.
"If we are not involved in any provocation, we will acquire the status of a candidate-state in NATO," Mikhail Saakashvili said in his annual address to the Georgian parliament.
He said Georgia sought NATO membership for a variety of reasons.
"Membership in this organization will guarantee the integrity of our borders and provide a modern democratic security system for the country."