Georgia, Tbilisi, September 6 /Trend, N. Kirtzkhalia/
The statement of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoty Karasin contradicts positive steps taken by Russia in recent times, Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said on Friday commenting on the statement of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister that Georgia is not ready to restore relations with Russia.
According to Panjikidze, these statements as the issue of barbed wires and others, which have drawn more attention in recent times, contradict to Russia's recent positive steps.
According to the minister, to hear such statements is especially strange given that Russia tends to try to establish relations with Georgia, but then takes measures that hamper progress.
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 ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.