Azernews.Az

By Mushvig Mehdiyev

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said the continuation of dialogue with Russia is important for his country.

"We managed to start direct talks with Russia and are ready to keep on it. Nevertheless, we will be committed to our position on Georgia's territorial integrity and not compromise, as the matter is about our territory," Garibashvili said while briefing the results of the Brussels visit.

He noted that Georgia could reduce tensions in relations with Russia to minimum about two years ago.

"We, actually, don't have any real progress in relations with Russia, but we have to wait for the further developments. Moreover, we have full support of the European Union and it is important to work hard, have strong unity and little internal confrontations," Garibashvili added.

The relations between Georgia and Russia pushed all limits when Georgian troops launched military operations to retake the breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions on August 8, 2008. Russian armed forces entered the regions to stop the military attacks by Georgian troops. After four days of tense fighting, Georgian forces were expelled from South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia carried out massive air strikes on the military and logistical targets inside Georgia, particularly in Gori city. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire on August 12. Russia is currently dominating the collective peacekeeping missions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.