Sergey Lavrov’s statement is positively evaluated by our government. The fact that Russia will welcome and support reconciliation is a good thing, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said, answering the media’s question about the statement of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to which Moscow says it is ready to help Georgia “in the process of normalizing relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, if the “countries” themselves are interested in it, Georgia Today reports.

 

Kaladze explained to the media that one of the main tasks of the ruling team is to restore the territorial integrity of the country, which should be done through peaceful negotiations.

 

He called the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia positive and expressed hope that the statement will be followed by effective steps.

 

“Regarding the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, of course, our government positively evaluates the statement. The fact that Russia welcomes and supports reconciliation is certainly positive. However, I would argue that with these statements it would be good to take some actionable steps already. For example, even on a certain part of our territories, which are occupied and on which Russian military bases are located, along with these statements, it would be good to start developing an action plan to withdraw these parts, the army from the territories of Georgia.

 

“I repeat once again, the government of Georgia will do everything for reconciliation with our Os brothers and sisters. Only through peace and mutual forgiveness can we restore territorial integrity and live together,” Kakha Kaladze said.

 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow is ready to help Georgia “in the process of normalizing relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia” if the “countries” themselves are interested in it.