Georgian prime minister refuses to restore diplomatic relations with Russia

Georgia does not intend to restore full diplomatic relations with Russia as long as Moscow recognizes the "independence" of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated this to journalists.

"As long as the so-called recognition [of Abkhazia and South Ossetia] by Russia is a fait accompli, diplomatic relations, of course, will not be restored. Our goal with regard to the Russian Federation is a peaceful settlement of the conflict," he said, adding that a peaceful resolution of the situation is one of Georgia's foreign policy priorities.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin earlier said in an interview with TASS that Moscow is ready to expand pragmatic ties with Tbilisi. He noted that the key to Georgia's successful development lies not in confrontation, but in cooperation with Russia.

Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Moscow on September 2, 2008, due to the recognition of the "independence" of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. At the same time, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said it would maintain consular relations with Russia. Since March 2009, a Russian interests section has been operating in Tbilisi at the Swiss Embassy, staffed by Russian diplomatic and technical personnel. In Moscow, also at the Swiss Embassy, a Georgian interests section has been established.

Source: TASS