Interfax: Tbilisi’s stance on diplomatic relations with Moscow unchanged – Georgian foreign minister

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TBILISI. Oct 29 (Interfax) – Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze has reiterated that her country may agree to restore diplomatic relations with Russia only if Russia renounces its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and if it lifts its “occupation” of these territories.

“If de-occupation occurs”, and if Russia renounces its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, “Georgia will be ready to rebuild diplomatic relations on such terms,” she told reporters, when commenting on Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s remarks that Russia had not broken off relations and was expecting the Georgian authorities’ statement detailing the country’s further policy.

Georgia has already unilaterally assumed non-use of force obligations, and “the ball is now in Russia’s court,” Panjikidze said.

“This topic is on the agenda of the Geneva (discussions),” the minister said, adding that the next round of the Geneva-based consultations on security and stability in Transcaucasia would be held in a week.

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