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Prime Minister: Georgia's territorial integrity must be restored

Georgia Materials 22 November 2012 15:33 (UTC +04:00)

Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 22/ Trend N.Kirtskhalia /

Georgia's territorial integrity must be restored and Abkhazia and South Ossetia have to become a part of the country, Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili said at a briefing in Tbilisi.

"However, we are not discussing these issues at this stage. We need to improve relations with Sukhumi and Tskhinvali, showing that new people have come into power in Georgia who are interested in establishing good relations. This is why we are considering improving relations at the moment," he said.

Ivanishvili said that Russia's interest to Georgia will awaken only if the country becomes 'interesting' for it in economic and political terms.

The prime minister said Georgia has no choice in terms of foreign policy against Russia's silence.

"We are limited in the maneuver and have to negotiate with the EU and the U.S., as we have no other way. Moreover, this is a geopolitical choice," he said.

Ivanishvili stressed that he has done everything to improve relations with Russia and appointed Zurab Abashidze as a special representative to Russia. "However, we have received no answer from Moscow. I think they will analyse the situation and statements will be made that will change it," Ivanishvili said.

He said in the meantime, such is the situation that it doesn't allow him to make a visit to Russia.

Military action was launched in the Georgian territory of 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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