Relations between Russia and Georgia are reaching a new level, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili told Interfax in an interview following his visit to Moscow. \"In general, I think that the relations between Russia and Georgia have developed favorably. We are entering a new level, where our relations should be predictable and stable,\" Saakashvili said. Saakashvili said that he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday and calling their meeting \"very warm.\" \"This meeting lasted for over an hour, and we discussed all issues concerning our bilateral relations,\" Saakashvili said. Saakashvili said that the procedure for issuing visas for travel between Georgia and Russia will be relaxed. \"There was a concrete result from the negotiations in Moscow. Georgia and Russia will both ease visa procedures. So the lives of hundreds of thousands of our citizens will become easier,\" Saakashvili said. Talking about terms for the withdrawal Russian military bases from Georgia, Saakashvili said that \"naturally, we have to reach agreements that would provide acceptable conditions for the bases\' withdrawal. We understand the technical difficulties that the Russian side is facing.\" But Saakashvili added that \"the number of years named by the Russian military is unrealistic.\" \"The problem with dates has to be resolved in our work. Currently, it is difficult to talk about concrete dates, but I think that the Russian bases will be withdrawn from Georgia sooner than many people think,\" Saakashvili said. Commenting on the situation surrounding South Ossetia, Saakashvili said that \"Tskhinvali\'s position of refusing to negotiate with us will not work. They are not in Australia, they are part of the territory of our country, so they have to negotiate.\" Saakashvili said that \"Georgia is determined to restore its territorial integrity, and everyone should accept this.\" \"We intend to assume control over the Rok tunnel that connects Russia and Georgia, and establish a customs checkpoint there, which is completely logical,\" Saakashvili said, adding that Tbilisi is offering South Ossetia \"a serious level of defending its rights, no less than North Ossetia has as a part of Russia, maybe even more.\" On the subject of Abkhazia, Saakashvili said that the situation there \"is more complicated than in Ajaria or South Ossetia.\" \"Elections will take place there in October, and no serious changes are expected before the elections. I hope that more realistic people come to power in Abkhazia who will understand the need for negotiations.\" Talking about Georgia possibly joining NATO, Saakashvili said that this is a prospect for the long term. \"Several years will pass before such prospects arise,\" he said. Saakashvili once again stated that Georgia will not allow foreign troops to be stationed on its territory. (Interfax)