The matter of restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia is not discussed. But if a significant qualitative change is recorded in matters related to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, this matter may be raised at some phase.

Zurab Abashidze, Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian Issues, commented in this way on the recent interview with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and State Secretary Grigory Karasin, who he had spoken about Russian-Georgian diplomatic relations, reported Georgia Online news agency.

“Since the beginning of this year, Russia simplified the visa regime with Georgia; the number of visas they issued has significantly increased,” added Abashidze. “[But] we [i.e. Georgia] cannot force Russia to further simplify the process, or lift the visa regime [for Georgian citizens]; this is for them [i.e. Russia] to decide.”