Many Georgians hope for normalisation of relations with Russia

Normalisation of relations with Russia is a wish of the majority of the Georgian population, the Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze said at a press conference on results of talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin in Geneva.

Abashidze said the meeting with Karasin was initiated by the mood of the majority Georgian population along with other factors.

The Georgian side took this step, as its Western friends have repeatedly called on Georgia to start a dialogue with Russia, he said. Abashidze explained this step also by the fact that the former government also declared its willingness to negotiate with the Russian side without preconditions.

"By taking this step we do not in any way, neglect the Geneva format. We know this step will create a lot of criticism. However we have to turn this step into a part of our policy. The date of the next meeting is being specified. We will keep constant contact. The meetings will supposedly be held every two to three months. We might reconsider the format and talks will take place, not one on one, but in a larger format. The question of the venue will also be agreed. The meetings might be held in Switzerland or another country, "Abashidze said.

The special representative also said he has no information about Karasin's possible withdrawal from the Geneva format.

"As for the topics, we discussed economic, humanitarian and cultural relations as well as air communications. After some time, we may discuss the issues we care about the most. However, we must be particularly careful not to mix the two formats or duplicate them, "Zurab Abashidze said.

Military action was launched in the Georgian region of South Ossetia on Aug.8, 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 of that year.


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