Russia's view of relations with Georgia

Geneva concluded another round of Trans-Caucasus security talks yesterday. The agreement on the non-use of force between Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia was the main topic of discussions. Georgia stated that such documents will only be signed with Russia as an internationally-recognized actor.

Vyacheslav Kovalenko, Director of Regional Programs of the Institute for Caspian Cooperation, emphasized that Russia was still eager to see constructive talks with Georgia. Russia had understanding of certain difficulties Georgian authorities had in recognition of status quo of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Kovalenko is optimistic about the situation, despite its complexity, and urged the sides to use every possible opportunity for progress, including resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili, weakening of his United National Movement and strengthening of the Georgian Dream coalition.

The expert sees improvement in bilateral relations, though the process is very slow. The agreement to abstain from using force is still inevitable. Without such a document, there will be no progress in normalization of relations, he said.

Geneva concluded another round of Trans-Caucasus security talks yesterday. The agreement on non-use of force between Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia was the main topic of discussions. Georgia stated that such documents will only be signed with Russia as an internationally-recognized actor.Vyacheslav Kovalenko, Director of Regional Programs of the Institute for Caspian Cooperation, emphasized that Russia was still eager to see constructive talks with Georgia. Russia had understanding of certain difficulties Georgian authorities had in recognition of status quo of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.Kovalenko is optimistic about the situation, despite its complexity, and urged the sides to use every possible opportunity for progress, including resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili, weakening of his United National Movement and strengthening of the Georgian Dream coalition.The expert sees improvement in bilateral relations, though the processes is very slow. The agreement to abstain from using force is still inevitable. Without such document, there will be no progress in normalization of relation