Tbilisi unexpectedly shuts down talk of restoring relations with Moscow

Tbilisi's condition

Kobakhidze said that Russia's recognition of the independence of the two Georgian regions remains the main obstacle to restoring diplomatic relations.

"So long as so-called recognition remains an accomplished fact on the part of the Russian Federation, diplomatic relations, of course, cannot be restored," the prime minister said.

According to Kobakhidze, a peaceful settlement of the conflict over Abkhazia and South Ossetia is one of the key priorities of Georgia's foreign policy. Tbilisi hopes the issue can be resolved following political changes in Russia.

"Our goal concerning the Russian Federation is to resolve the conflict peacefully. This is our stated political position, and we hope that following political changes, all of this will become achievable," the Georgian prime minister said.

What happened in 2008

The military conflict between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia and Abkhazia took place in August 2008 and lasted five days. Following the fighting, Tbilisi lost control over both regions.

Later that month, Moscow recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. In response, Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Russia.

The international community continues to regard both regions as part of Georgia.

On the anniversary of the start of the Russo-Georgian war, the UK, France, Germany and Italy jointly called on Moscow not to take steps toward the further annexation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.