Did Tbilisi break off trade talks with Moscow?

Tbilisi is suspending trade talks with Russia, as they do not make any sense. This statement was made by Georgian Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili in an interview with "Radio Liberty". At the moment Beruchashvili is on an official visit to the US.

According to the Russian market, she says it is impossible to make predictions. "At present, we are suspending the trade dialogue with Russia, as it does not make any sense,” she said. “Russia at any moment may impose an embargo," Trend cited Beruchashvili as saying.  In addition, the minister described the Russian market as "unpredictable" and compared it to a trap, Georgia Online reports.

At the same time, the special representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, said in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza that in fact trade talks have not been interrupted, and Beruchashvili was probably misunderstood. 

"No, trade talks haven't been suspended, apparently, there is an inaccuracy of the translation. I think minister Beruchashvili will comment this information later itself," he said.

"The bilateral format that was created between Russia and Georgia for the dialogue on trade and economic relations continues, we remain in touch. Our trade relations are getting stronger, and there are no dramatic changes in this regard. I declare with all responsibility that trade relations have developed without any problems, and I think in this year there is a good prospect of moving forward on the practical ways in which we can move," Zurab Abashidze said.