Georgia demands Russia recognise borders before restoring ties

Georgia is prepared to restore diplomatic relations with Russia, but only if Moscow recognises the country’s territorial integrity, said Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament.

Speaking at a briefing, Papuashvili emphasised that recognition of Georgia’s borders is the primary and non-negotiable condition for normalising ties between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports per Georgian media.

“Georgia supports the normalisation of relations with Russia, and the foundation for this must be the recognition of our territorial integrity,” Papuashvili added, stressing that no other preconditions would suffice.

Georgia and Russia severed diplomatic ties in August 2008 following the five-day Russo-Georgian War, triggered by Tbilisi's attempt to regain control over South Ossetia. Russia recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states shortly after, a move condemned internationally. The conflict displaced tens of thousands and solidified Russia's military presence in the regions, occupying around 20% of Georgia's internationally recognised territory.

Since 2012, under the Swiss-mediated "Geneva format" informal talks involving Georgia, Russia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, the EU, UN, OSCE, and US, pragmatic improvements occurred: Russia lifted some trade embargoes imposed in 2013, direct flights resumed, and bilateral trade surged.

By Khagan Isayev