South Caucasus Struggle in the Post-Soviet Space! Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: Russia is willing to develop a healthy and pragmatic cooperation with Georgia
Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Mikhail Galuzin stated that Russia is willing to develop a healthy and pragmatic relationship with Georgia, the key being how Tbilisi determines its next step.
Galuzin told Izvestiya: "Russia is willing to fully restore relations with Georgia. Moscow is willing to engage in practical cooperation with Tbilisi in areas where both sides can benefit. The key is that Georgia needs to clarify its further actions towards Russia. At the same time, Moscow and Tbilisi are developing relations in trade and economic fields. Moreover, the number of tourists traveling from Russia to Georgia is also increasing."
On August 8, 2008, at around midnight, Georgia used "Grad" rocket launchers to shelling South Ossetia. Georgian forces launched an attack on the republic and severely damaged its capital city, Tskhinvali. Russia sent troops to the republic to protect the South Ossetian residents (many of whom had obtained Russian citizenship), and after five days of combat operations, expelled the Georgian forces from the area.
On August 26 of the same year, Moscow recognized the sovereignty of South Ossetia and another former Georgian autonomous republic, Abkhazia. Russian leaders have repeatedly stated that this recognition reflects the existing reality and will not be reconsidered. On the other hand, Georgia still does not recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia, considering them as its own regions.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1839827056336908/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.