Tbilisi gives conditions to establish diplomatic ties with Moscow

(Interfax – TBILISI, April 29, 2013) Georgia will not establish diplomatic ties with Russia while 20% of its territory is occupied, Georgian Foreign Minister Maya Pandzhanikidze told reporters on Monday.

“While 20 percent of the Georgian territories are occupied by Russia, establishing diplomatic ties is impossible. Another reason is that Russia recognizes two Georgian regions as independent states. Until this recognition is cancelled and until the Georgian territories are no longer occupied, establishing diplomatic ties with the state-occupant is impossible,” Pandzhanikidze said when asked to comment on the renovation that has begun in the Russian embassy in Tbilisi.

Pandzhanikidze said that regardless of this, the dialog on easing visa regulations with Russia was possible.

“Georgia has unilaterally cancelled visas for Russia, so the conversation on easing visa regulations for Georgian citizens is quite legitimate,” the Georgian foreign minister said.

Pandzhanikidze said that this issue would be discussed in June during a meeting of Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Zurab Abashidze and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin.