Georgia, Tbilisi, August 5 / Trend, N. Kirtzkhalia /
Diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia may be restored if the process for the normalization of relations between the two countries sees any advance, Georgia's Special Representative for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze said on Monday in an interview with First Channel.
"Our Russian colleagues are well aware that in this situation, Georgia will not move towards the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia. This step of ours will be perceived by the rest of the world as our reconciliation with the new reality and the abandonment of those territories. Restoration of diplomatic relations may occur at some point, if the process of rehabilitation of relations with Russia sees any advance, some progress is observed and major breakthroughs achieved," he said.
The countries have already passed the first phase, involving the resolution of practical issues related to trade, transport and economic relations, he said.
"Perhaps, we will be able to move on to the second stage in September-October, as we have to start discussion of more serious issues. This process will not be completed quickly. We have always stressed and stress now that it will be a long and complicated process," Abashidze said.
Large scale military action was launched in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military.
Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August. In response, Tbilisi broke diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.