Moscow has once again expressed its readiness to resume diplomatic relations with Tbilisi, emphasizing that this issue should not be “linked” to Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
“We regret that the Georgian leadership continues to tie the restoration of diplomatic relations to our position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We have repeatedly stated, and I am ready to reiterate, that the Russian Federation’s decision to recognize the sovereignty and independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, made in August 2008, is final and not subject to revision,” said Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with Izvestia.
According to him, diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia were severed “by the Saakashvili regime, after it attempted to commit aggression against the population of South Ossetia, Russian peacekeepers, and, consequently, the Russian Federation.”
“Now in Georgia, Saakashvili’s regime is being harshly criticized for this. He himself is facing numerous lawsuits,” the diplomat noted.
Galuzin described the statements by the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, about his willingness to apologize to the Ossetians for the 2008 war as “sensible.”
“As I understand it, official Tbilisi holds a similar stance toward Abkhazia. These are certainly positive signals. We hope they will translate into concrete steps to normalize Georgia’s relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, based on a realistic understanding of current realities,” he added.
Discussing the economic ties between Moscow and Tbilisi (such as deliveries of Georgian wine to Russia, and Russian energy resources and grain to Georgia), he highlighted that the countries “are united by a shared history, common faith, and cultural, humanitarian, and human connections.” In relations with Georgia, Russia is prepared to “go as far as the Georgian side is willing to go,” he stated.
According to Galuzin, air traffic between the two countries currently operates “approximately 16 routes and about 60 flights.” “Of course, if necessary, this can be expanded,” he said. At the same time, Moscow, according to Galuzin, “does not view the restoration of air traffic with Abkhazia as being connected to the issues of air traffic with Georgia.”
“This is an entirely independent matter,” he said, expressing hope that “the pragmatism and common sense that clearly prevail in Tbilisi today will persist in this regard.”