Georgian PM assesses possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Russia

Georgia has no space to restore diplomatic relations with Russia. This was announced by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on February 8.

"We have no diplomatic relations and no space for restoration of diplomatic relations," 1TV Georgia quoted him as saying.

However, according to Kobakhidze, Georgia adheres to a pragmatic position in its relations with Russia, particularly in trade and economy, which it plans to develop in the future.

Prior to the parliamentary elections in October last year, Kobakhidze said that the settlement of the conflict with Russia is one of Georgia's key priorities. He also noted that the most important task is to restart relations with the European Union and the United States.

In August of the same year, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko said Russia was ready for contacts with the Georgian parliament. She added that parliamentary elections in the country will determine the economic, social and political courses of development.

Before that, in July, Stanislav Tarasov, an expert on the Middle East and Caucasus, told Izvestia that Georgia realized that it should look for a "security umbrella" not in its relations with the West, but in a dialogue with Russia. According to the political analyst, Georgia has realized that it is more profitable and safer to build a dialogue with Moscow.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia were interrupted in 2008. On August 8, an armed conflict broke out between Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Georgian army attacked Tskhinvali. Russia, protecting the inhabitants of the republic, brought in troops and drove out the Georgian military. The conflict lasted five days, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 people. On August 26, 2008, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Georgia does not recognize them as independent states.