Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Russia has suspended the process of fence construction along the administrative borders of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region in South Ossetia, Georgian State Minister for Reintegration Paata Zakareishvili told journalists on October 16.

"These processes are suspended for now. We do not have great illusions and hope that this situation will continue, but anything can be expected from Russia," Zakareishvili said, emphasizing that the international community condemned the installation of the dividing lines.

The situation at the administrative border between the Tskhinvali region in South Ossetia and the remaining territory of Georgia has been in the spotlight of the Georgian authorities and the international community for several months.

Georgia and Russia, its giant northern neighbor, have maintained no diplomatic relations since a brief war in 2008. Tbilisi broke off relations with Moscow in August 2008 when Moscow crushed a Georgian assault to reassert control over two rebel regions -- South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- and later recognized the regions. Georgia announced the two unrecognized republics as occupied territories in September 2008.

Russian border guards began creating barbwire along the administrative border shortly after the conflict. The Georgian side charges that these actions violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as well as the principles of international law and the ceasefire agreement between Georgia and Russia dated August 12, 2008.