Georgian authorities expect Russia to "return" the "occupied territories"

The Chairman of the Georgian Parliament said that the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia is possible, but only if the "occupied territories" are returned. He stressed that the removal of this obstacle depends on Russia's actions.

"Restoration of relations between Georgia and Russia is hampered by only one thing — the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia. Russia can very simply remove this obstacle. As soon as we see steps in this direction, the restoration of relations will be possible. The tool for removing this barrier is in the hands of Russia, and that is exactly what we expect," Papuashvili said.

As reported by EADaily, earlier Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said that Moscow is ready to develop mutually beneficial cooperation with the Georgian side. He expressed regret that Tbilisi links the restoration of diplomatic relations with the position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and stressed that the recognition of the sovereignty of the republics is not subject to revision.

In turn, the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is ready to take steps to normalize relations with Georgia.

"There are no clear deadlines, but the fact that Russia is really ready to take steps to normalize relations is true. We are interested in building good relations with all countries that are ready for this and that want it," the Kremlin spokesman said.

Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Moscow in August 2008. Georgia then committed another act of aggression against South Ossetia. Russia sent troops to protect Russian citizens living in the republic and peacekeepers based in Tskhinvali, as the Ossetian military and militia could not cope with the massive shelling by Grads and civilians were killed. On August 26, 2008, Moscow recognized the sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and then, by agreement with Sukhum and Tskhinvali, deployed military bases on the territories of the republics. This guaranteed peace in the region.

The peoples of Abkhazia and South Ossetia do not see a common future with Georgia. Currently, the republics are aimed at integrating with The Union State.