Foreign Ministry: Georgia requests Germany’s assistance to resolve disputes with Russia

Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct. 8 /Trend N.Kirtzkhalia/ Georgia requests Germany's mediation to resolve disputes with Russia, Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze told journalists on Tuesday after a meeting with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle in Berlin. Berlin can play a positive role in the elimination of sharp corners in relations between Georgia and Russia, Panjikidze said. "Now the situation has greatly deteriorated in the zone of conflict in South Ossetia, where the construction of the so-called border has started, and we ask Berlin to play the role of a mediator in resolving this issue with Moscow," Panjikidze said. Georgian Minister said that the developing bilateral relations between Georgia and Germany, as well as issues of Georgia's integration into the EU and NATO were also discuused at the meeting. "We had a very productive dialogue, and the parties were satisfied with them," 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. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az