Photo:
AP Photo/ Shakh Aivazov
Special representative of Georgian Prime Minister for relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze said that the restoration of diplomatic relations of Georgia with Russia is necessary “to achieve substantial progress” in returning Abkhazia and South Ossetia, according to the Rambler/news citing RIA Novosti.
“This is directly related to the territorial integrity of Georgia. No news, unfortunately, in this direction no. This question is not discussed and can’t get up in the agenda as long as there is progress in the relationship with the territories. If in this context, important progress will be made, at some point this issue will be addressed, but now is not discussed, and our Russian colleagues know our position,” — said Abashidze.
Earlier, Abashidze said that under certain conditions Moscow and Tbilisi can return to the question of restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Georgia broke off diplomatic relations with Russia in August 2008 in response to Moscow’s recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.