Russia Open to Georgia Diplomatic Ties If Tbilisi Initiates
Russia is open to the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Georgia, but today this issue is not on the agenda, stated official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova.
Consensus
- Russia is open to restoring diplomatic relations with Georgia.
- The initiative for restoring diplomatic relations must come from Georgia.
- The issue of restoring diplomatic relations is not currently on the agenda.
- Russia recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent, a stance not accepted by Georgia.
- Diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia were severed on August 26, 2008.
- Russia and Georgia have not maintained diplomatic ties since 2008.
- Interaction between the two countries has occurred mainly through the Geneva talks on the Caucasus.
Points of divergence
- Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia does not plan to restore full diplomatic relations with Russia until Russia recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s independence. — vesti
- Russia has long urged Georgia to sign agreements on non-use of force with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and expects Georgia to recognize new geopolitical realities in the Caucasus and begin practical work on such documents. — interfax
- The absence of diplomatic relations is described as part of the 'tragic legacy' of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. — interfax
Coverage (2 sources)
- Russian Foreign Ministry assesses prospects for restoring diplomatic relations with Georgia — Вести
- Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the initiative to restore diplomatic relations with Georgia must come from Tbilisi — Интерфакс