Abkhazia: Georgia Open to Dialogue with Moscow, Not Sukhum
President Saakashvili has offered dialogue to the Russian Government, and has affirmed that Georgia will honour the commitment not to use of force to solve the issue of territorial integrity related to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Below is an article published by RIA Novosti
Manana Mandzhagaladze, a spokesperson for the Georgian president, said Russia had failed to respond to Georgia's peace initiative.
President Mikheil Saakashvili announced that Georgia will never use force to restore its territorial integrity even if Russia refuses to pull out its troops from the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia will only reserve the right to defend itself if the remaining 80% of the territories controlled by the Georgian government come under attack.
"Their [Russian] position is utterly inadequate even though Georgia continues putting forward peace proposals and remains committed to the initiatives put forth by the Georgian president," she said.
"The Georgian side reiterates its readiness for genuine dialogue with Russia on any issue."
Russia recognized the independence of the former Georgian autonomies of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following a five-day war in August 2008. Tbilisi has declared them occupied territories and broken off relations with Moscow.
