Putin urges Georgia to establish direct dialogue with Sukhumi and Tskhinval

Putin urges Georgia to establish direct dialogue with Sukhumi and Tskhinvali

Russian premier Vladimir Putin has called on the Georgian authorities to refrain from settling the Abkhaz and South Ossetian conflicts with the assistance of third parties, Interfax reports.

The Russian premier noted that the authorities should establish direct dialogue, without referring to any third force. Putin also added that "some may think that Georgian territories have been occupied, some may think they have been freed, but the point is that Russia didn't start that war and responsibility lies with those who started it". Putin called on the Georgian authorities "to summon their courage and find a way to the hearts of people they have hurt".

He also said that Russia, as with any other member of the international community, can only give some guarantees, but cannot resolve the problem.