Georgia will restore relations with Russia if it de-occupies Georgia

"Diplomatic relations with Russia will be restored only after the latter de-occupies Georgian territory, Georgian Foreigner Minister Maia Panjikidze said when commenting on her Russian counterparts statement.

"For Georgia, it is very desirable to restore this kind of relations with Russia as it is directly related with the de-occupation and withdrawal of recognition [of breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia], Panjikidze said.

She also stressed that only NATO and its partner countries decide what kind of relations they want to have with each other. "The third side cannot affect their decision, Georgian Minister stated.

Russias Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov said at the NATO-Russia commission meeting, on December 4 that he hopes the issue of restoration of the diplomatic relations, "which were cut upon the Georgian sides initiative, will return back to the agenda.

At the same time, he once again highlighted that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are sovereign states recognized by Moscow. He also commented on fencing activities on the Georgian territory.

"Borders should certainly be protected. Violations from the both sides should be prevented. There are rules reflecting the international practice. Wires will not be needed as hotheads cool down, he said.

At his press conference, after Lavrovs statement, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen reaffirmed the alliances support for Georgias territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. He also expressed strong concern about the resumption of activities to erect fences and other obstacles along the administrative border lines with Georgia. He called for their removal, as they affect the lives of people and hamper conflict resolutions.

"Georgias ambitious reform agenda has an ambitious goal: integration into the Euro-Atlantic family, where Georgia naturally belongs, the Secretary General said.