FM: Georgia’s diplomatic relations with Russia to be restored provided Russian forces withdrawn from breakaway regions

Tbilisi, Georgia, Dec.5 By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend: Georgia wishes the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia, but this can be possible on condition that the Russian forces are withdrawn from the breakaway regions and recognition of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region is cancelled, Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze told journalists on Dec.5. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made a statement recently where he spoke for restoration of diplomatic relations with Georgia. If these conditions are met, Georgia will restore the diplomatic relations with Russia, Panjikidze said. Large scale military action was launched in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military. Russia recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August. In response, Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognised republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.