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Russian Security Council Secretary: â€œGeorgia must take the first step to normalize relationsâ€

18 December 2012 10:46 (UTC +04:00)

According to him, Russia is ready for dialogue and cooperation. "However, the Georgian government should not contend itself to statements, but take first real steps. Unfortunately, they do not say that they will not use force against Abkhazia and South Ossetia, whose independence is recognized by Russia”, he said.

N. Patrushev considers that there is still tense political situation in Georgia, and NATO and the USA have significant impact on the country. “There are significant contradictions between Prime Minister Ivanisvili and President Saakashvili. They must solve their internal problems. At the same time, their positions coincide in Georgia's membership of NATO and the European Union. Our peoples have historically been close and lived and cooperated within a state for a long time,” he added.

Note that diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia were cut off in August, 2008, after the war in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.