The Georgian opposition called for the speedy restoration of dialogue with Russia

Representatives of opposition parties and movements in Georgia called for the speedy restoration of dialogue with Russia. A round table on this issue was held on May 7.

In the resolution at the end of the event, the participants came to the conclusion that Georgia is not able to overcome the large-scale economic and social difficulties that the country is currently experiencing.

"It is necessary to deepen friendly relations with neighboring countries. The time has come to restore good—neighborly relations with Russia," the document says.

As Mamuka Pipia, International secretary of the Solidarity for Peace party, noted in a conversation with Izvestia, the conference participants intend to organize a collection of signatures for the restoration of relations between Moscow and Tbilisi.

"Today's conference was primarily dedicated to the Great Victory Day on May 9th. We will, of course, hold a parade. All the participants came to the conclusion after a long debate that we need to start [collecting] signatures among the population for a dialogue between Russia and Georgia," he said.

Mikhail Zhgenti, chairman of the Solidarity for Peace party, in turn, noted that the participants of the event called on the country's official authorities to start a direct dialogue with the Russian government as soon as possible.

"Fortunately, every day more and more of our population is inclined to believe that <...> the Georgian authorities should start direct negotiations with the Russian authorities, because time is running out. And our conference today is not just our party's preparation. There are many parties and political organizations present here. And we came to the conclusion that it is necessary to support the initiative of the people, <...> we need to collect a lot of signatures so that the authorities can hear the voice of the people and start a direct dialogue [with the Russian Federation]," he said.

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On April 17, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia was ready to restore diplomatic relations with Georgia. The diplomat noted that for the Georgian side, Russia continues to be an important market in many areas. Russia also holds a leading position in the supply of energy and grain to the Transcaucasian republic.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on April 11 that his country adheres to a peaceful and pragmatic approach in relations with Russia, despite existing territorial differences. He noted that Tbilisi continues to develop economic and trade cooperation with Moscow, considering it as part of a common strategic approach.