Georgia president: Ready to quit if Russia leaves

TBILISI, Georgia – The president of Georgia says he's willing to resign if Russia withdraws its troops from two separatist Georgian regions that split off in the 2008 war between the two countries.

The regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, have declared independence, but that is recognized only by Russia and a handful of other countries. Both depend heavily on Russian economic aid and military support.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili reiterated accusations that Russia wants to drive him from power.

He said he would sign an agreement with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to resign "if Russia is prepared to return to Georgia control of the territory it occupies ... and pull out its troops."