Tbilisi is to follow agreements reached in 2006 in the frames of the Georgian-Abkhaz talks.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also said in the statement that it welcomed western diplomats' decision to travel to Abkhazia, which enabled them to receive first-hand information about the situation on the ground from the Abkhaz side, reported PNA.
Since early May Abkhazia was visited by Mathew Bryza, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs; group of ambassadors of EU-member states accredited in Tbilisi; EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana and UK's special representative for South Caucasus, Sir Brian Fall.
"Western delegations aim at convincing the Abkhaz leadership to resume negotiations with the Georgian side, which have been suspended almost two years ago," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "Remaining committed to political methods of resolution of the conflict, we deem this task absolutely justified. But it is impossible not to note the following issue: it should not be forgotten, while working on the issue of resuming the Georgian-Abkhaz negotiating process, that talks have been suspended after Georgia violated provisions of the 1994 Moscow agreement on ceasefire and separation of forces. It would be naïve to believe that one of the sides would get back on the negotiating table unless another side proves its commitment to agreements with its deeds."
Moscow and Sokhumi claim that Tbilisi violated the 1994 agreement by sending troops to upper Kodori Gorge in summer 2006. Tbilisi, however, says it has only police forces in the gorge.
According to them, the Abkhaz leadership is offering a clear and logical action plan to defuse existing quite a tens situation".
"President Bagapsh justifiably deems it necessary on the first stage steps aimed at strengthening confidence be undertaken. First of all it is - withdrawal of the Georgian troops from the upper Kodori Gorge and signing of a treaty on non-use of force and security guarantees. We fully support this approach. De-escalation of situation, strengthening of stability and eventually resolution of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict will become real if Tbilisi accepts these proposals".