Special Representative: Georgia's goal - to build predictable and good neighborly relations with Russia

Georgia, Tbilisi, Novr 1 /Trend N.Kirtzkhalia/

Zurab Abashidze appointed as Special Representative of the Prime Minister on Russia understands the complexity of his mission. "We have taken the first step and informed the Russian side through diplomatic channels, and we hope that Moscow will take retaliatory steps in response," he said at a news conference.

Abashidze hopes that Russia will take retaliatory steps. "The ball is on the side of the Russian side, and we are looking forward for retaliatory steps," he said.

Abashidze said Georgia show the importance of establishing relations with Moscow by creating a new format.

We hope to improve relations with Russia through this format," Abashidze said, while noting that Georgia supports the preservation of the Geneva negotiating format, which are dealing with the "other matters".

He stressed that the new format is created build predictable and good neighborly relations with Russia, which will be aimed at preventing the common threats and coordination.

"All of this will be based on the positions of respect for the sovereignty, freedom, and free choice of Georgia," Abashidze said.

Military actions were launched in the Georgian territory, South Ossetia on Aug.8 in 2008. Later the Russian troops occupied the city of Tskhinvali and drove the Georgian military back. Russia recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late August. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced the two unrecognised republics as occupied territories.

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