20 June 2014, 15:21
Georgian Foreign Minister specifies three conditions for restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia
To restore diplomatic relations with Georgia, Russia is to conduct de-occupation of the country, withdraw recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and fulfil the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008. This was announced by Maya Pandjikidze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
"Georgia will not be able to take steps towards the restoration of diplomatic relations, as long as 20% of the country is occupied," the agency "Georgia Online" quotes Maya Pandjikidze as stating.
The Maya Pandjikidze's statement has been made in response to the phrase of Grigory Karasin, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister. On June 19, he emphasized that "it was not Russia, who made the decision to break them (diplomatic relations) in August 2008, and it is not Russia, who should think about the formal aspect of their restoration," the RIA "Novosti" reports.
Meanwhile, Grigory Karasin has emphasized the need to make all efforts to "restore those good traditions that have always existed between the peoples of Georgia and Russia."
On June 17-28, the 28th round of the Geneva discussions is being held. However, on June 18, the delegations of Abkhazia and South Ossetia refused to discuss the problem of refugees. The delegations have announced its politicization and left the room prior to the end of discussions.
See earlier reports: "Georgian Deputy Minister for Integration announces progress on humanitarian issues at Geneva talks", "In Geneva, Georgian party refuses to discuss border delineation issues with South Ossetia", "Georgy Margvelashvili: Georgia to improve relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia with EU assistance".
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