Georgia rules out restoring diplomatic ties with Russia while occupation continues, says ruling party official

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday ruled out any positive response from the Georgian Government to the restoration of diplomatic ties with Russia “as long as Georgian territories remain occupied”.

In his remarks, Mdinaradze noted that if Russia, as the occupying force, begins to engage in discussions with Georgia in a positive context, then broader talks could be considered.

However, until the occupation ends, the Georgian Government will not entertain the idea of restoring diplomatic relations with Russia.

“Once the occupier starts talking in a positive context for Georgia on these issues, then we can talk about everything. But as long as it continues to occupy Georgian territories, such an entity and occupying country will not receive a positive response from us regarding the restoration of diplomatic relations”, Mdinaradze concluded.