Georgia, Tbilisi, March 15 / Trend N.Kirtskhalia /
Most of the respondents support the restoration of relations with Russia, the Special Representative for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze said, commenting on results of sociological research undertaken by the International Republican Institute.
According to Abashidze, overcoming the deadlock in relations with Russia will bring many positive results, something that is being witnessed at the moment.
"There are already tangible results in areas such as trade, transport, business, humanities and cultural relations. I believe our products will return to Russian markets in the near future benefiting our country. However, once again I mention that rapprochement with Russia is a complicated process and nothing happens quickly. We are in a vicious circle. Russia is not going to abandon recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and we in turn, state that we will not put up with it," Abashidze said.
However he believes that the way out of this vicious circle must be found. Against a background of dialogue initiated by Russia, reduction of the probability of new military escalation and tension is being observed, which a positive indicator, Zurab Abashidze said.
Large scale military actions were 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.