Georgian Parliament Speaker: all obstacles in Georgia-Russia relations will end after deoccupation, Russian military withdrawal and territorial integrity restoration

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday said that all obstacles in relations between Georgia and Russia would be removed once Russian armed forces leave Georgian territory and the country’s territorial integrity is recognised.

His remarks came in response to a journalist’s question about the visit of Russian President’s Special Representative for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy to Tbilisi on June 14-15. Shvydkoy, who is also the artistic director of the Moscow Musical Theatre, attended film and theatre screenings during his stay.

Commenting on the visit, Papuashvili said he was not aware of individuals’ specific movements and emphasised that Georgia is a free country. “Anyone can visit Georgia if they comply with Georgian law”, he noted.

“As for Georgian-Russian relations, our position is very clear - there will be cultural relations, economic relations and everything, when Georgia is de-occupied and our territorial integrity is recognised. This is an obstacle that stands in Georgian-Russian relations. As soon as this step is taken and the Russian army leaves the territory of Georgia, all obstacles in Georgian-Russian relations will be removed”, the Speaker concluded.