Restoring diplomatic relations with Russia is impossible while Moscow continued to occupy Georgian territories. Such a statement the Prime Minister of Georgia made in the interview with Rustavi 2.

“We have our principles. The protection of national interests must be based on clear principles. Putting everything else aside, from a legal standpoint, it is impossible for us to talk about restoring diplomatic relations with Russia while the occupation persists.

Currently, around 20% of our territory is occupied by Russia. In this context, reestablishing diplomatic relations would mean, in some form, accepting the reality that our historical regions are no longer recognised as part of our country by that state.

The ongoing occupation of approximately 20% of Georgia’s territory by Russia is a fundamental obstacle to any normalisation of relations, if our territorial integrity is restored, restoring diplomatic relations would be a logical step.

However, given the current reality, we simply cannot talk about restoring diplomatic relations. For us, the issue of territorial integrity is a red line”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.