Parliament official: no diplomatic ties with Russia while occupation continues

David Matikashvili, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party and Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Tuesday said Georgia would not restore diplomatic relations with Russia “as long as parts of its territory remain under Russian occupation”.

In his remarks, Matikashvili noted that the presence of occupied territories constituted a fundamental obstacle to reestablishing diplomatic ties with Russia.

“Diplomatic relations cannot be restored until justice is served - until the occupying forces withdraw from Georgian territory and the central Government regains full control over the entire country. Once that happens, there will be no obstacle to restoring diplomatic ties”, the Parliament official said.