Georgia has stated that diplomatic relations with Russia will not be restored until Abkhazia and South Ossetia are deoccupied

Georgia does not intend to restore diplomatic relations with Russia until Abkhazia and South Ossetia are deoccupied. This was stated by Nikoloz Samkharadze, head of the Georgian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, who emphasized that a return to normal relations is only possible after the withdrawal of Russian troops from these territories and Russia's recognition of Georgia's territorial integrity.

Samkharadze rejected claims that this is a continuation of the policies of previous Georgian leaders, stating that it is a matter of protecting national interests and restoring the country's territorial integrity.

"As for the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement that this is a continuation of Saakashvili's policy, this is not the policy of Saakashvili, Shevardnadze, or anyone else. It is the interest of the Georgian state to completely deoccupy the country and restore its territorial integrity. "Russia is impeding this process; Russia is the occupier holding Georgian territory. Accordingly, if Moscow wants normal diplomatic relations with Georgia, it must withdraw its troops and recognize its territorial integrity. This is our response, and Russia has long been well aware of this," said Nikoloz Samkharadze.

Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it sees no preconditions for resuming political dialogue with Georgia. This, according to Ministry representatives, is due to Tbilisi's continued position, which links the restoration of relations with Moscow's refusal to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

In February, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the country cannot restore diplomatic relations with Russia due to Moscow's position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia.