Georgia Closes Path for Rapid Restoration of Diplomatic Relations with Moscow

Georgia has no intention of establishing full diplomatic ties with the Russian Federation until Moscow rescinds its recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In a conversation with journalists, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized that as long as Russia does not renounce its so-called recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, there can be no talk of restoring diplomatic relations.

He added that the primary goal of their engagements with Russia is the peaceful resolution of the issue, which is one of the country's foreign policy priorities.

Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin informed TASS that Moscow is willing to expand pragmatic relations with Tbilisi, noting that Georgia's effective development is conditioned by cooperation with Russia, rather than conflict.

Due to the recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Tbilisi severed diplomatic ties with Moscow on September 2, 2008. However, the Georgian Foreign Ministry has reported on the maintenance of consular relations. Since March 2009, the interests of the Russian Federation have been represented at the Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi, staffed by Russian diplomatic and technical personnel, while Georgia's interests are represented at the Swiss Embassy in Moscow.