Georgia announced that the normalization of relations with Russia depends on the recognition of the territorial integrity of the Georgian nation, affected by the recognition of the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008. The President of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, stated that although Georgia desires normalization of relations, this is conditioned on Russia's acceptance of Georgia's territorial integrity. His comments came following statements from Russian officials suggesting an openness to better relations.
Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Moscow after Russia recognized the independence of the separatist regions, but has maintained economic and diplomatic contacts. The regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are recognized by a few states, including Nicaragua and Syria.
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