Georgian candidate for foreign minister Maya Panjikidze stated at a hearing of parliament that diplomatic relations with Moscow will not be mended, as long as there are Russian embassies in Tskhinvali and Sukhumi.
According to her, the non-recognition of separatist Abkhazia and South Ossetia will stay one of the main priorities of the Foreign Ministry.
She also noted that revival of relations with Russia is impossible without the renewal of cultural and economic relations.
“It’s always thought that Georgia has to concede to Russia. This is out of question, but a dialogue can be started on issues such as cultural and economic relations. We don’t have a prepared plan on how to settle relations with Russia, but are taking certain steps that can lead us to political dialogue, “Panjikidze added.
The source recalls that military actions were launched in the Georgian territory, South Ossetia on August 8 in 2008. Later Russian troops occupied the city of Tskhinvali and drove the Georgian military back. Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late August. But Tbilisi cut diplomatic relations with Moscow.
