Russia is Ready for This: Galuzin

Moscow is poised to restore diplomatic relations with Georgia. This was stated by Mikhail Galuzin, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, in an interview with IZ.RU.

According to him, the Russian Federation regrets that Tbilisi is linking the restoration of dialogue to its stance on Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “The decision of the Russian Federation to recognize the sovereignty and independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, adopted in August 2008, is not subject to revision, but we are ready to continue to develop mutually beneficial cooperation with Georgia in a comprehensive manner,” Galuzin said.

On April 11, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili reminded that Tbilisi maintains relations with Moscow in a “peaceful and pragmatic” tone. It should be noted that diplomatic relations between the countries were severed by Georgia after Russia recognized the sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008. Tbilisi considers these territories to be occupied.