Tbilisi names conditions for restoration of diplomatic ties with Moscow

Georgia wishes the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia, but it can be possible on condition that the Russian forces are withdrawn from the breakaway regions and recognition of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region is cancelled.Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze made the remark on December 5 in response to her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov's recent statement."We hope the issue of restoring diplomatic relations, which were violated by the Georgian side, to return to the agenda," Lavrov said on December 4.Panjikidze said if these conditions are met, Georgia will restore the diplomatic relations with Russia.President Georgi Margvelashvili said earlier the country is interested to expand trade and economic cooperation with Russia."Georgia should not say no to trade with Russia just out of fear that one day Russia may again close down its market for the Georgian products," Margvelashvili said in an interview with Rustavi 2 television channel.Georgia and Russia have maintained no diplomatic relations since a brief war in 2008. Tbilisi broke off relations with Moscow in August 2008 when Moscow crushed a Georgian assault to reassert control over two rebel regions -- South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- and later recognized the regions. Georgia announced the two unrecognized republics as occupied territories in September 2008.(Azernews)ANN.Az