Tbilisi demands recognition of "territorial integrity" by Russia

A necessary condition for the normalization of relations between Georgia and Russia is the recognition by the Russian Federation of the "territorial integrity" of Georgia, said the chairman of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili.

"We have already stated what is the condition for the restoration of relations between Georgia and Russia. These relations can be restored if the territorial integrity of Georgia is recognized by the Russian Federation. The Russian Federation and the Russian authorities are well aware of the condition for normalizing relations. We stand for normalization, and its prerequisite is the recognition of Georgia's territorial integrity," Papuashvili said on December 16.

Earlier, Mikhail Kalugin, director of the fourth department of the CIS countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that Russia is ready to restore relations with Georgia if it refuses to participate in the anti-Russian attacks of the West.

"Russia is seriously committed to normalizing relations with Georgia. The main thing is that Georgia does not become a "bargaining chip" in anti-Russian games. Now Tbilisi is demonstrating a healthy pragmatism, a tendency to multi—vector in foreign affairs," Kalugin said.

He recalled that Georgia refused to impose anti-Russian sanctions, rejecting the Western reckless scenario imposed on it to become a participant in the second front against Russia.

"It is thanks to the balanced and pragmatic policy of the current leadership that Tbilisi and Moscow have recently achieved significant success in the economy, and although there are no diplomatic relations between the countries, there are active ties that bring tangible benefits," Kalugin said.

Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Moscow in 2008 after Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly spoken about its readiness to resume relations with Georgia, but noted that there are no prerequisites for this. Tbilisi, contrary to the opinion of residents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calls Russia an "aggressor" and the territories of the republics "occupied territories."