In her remarks on the occupied Georgian territory, she emphasized that Russia’s priority remains unchanged. This includes obtaining legally-binding guarantees from Tbilisi regarding the non-use force and demarcation. She acknowledged that these goals are not yet achievable, but she welcomed Georgia’s initiative of apologizing to Tskhinvali and said that it gave Russia “some hope”.
Zakharova said that Russia was “encouraged,” by the fact that “public recognition” has been made in Georgia that the former president Mikheil Saakashvili is “a madman driven with passions and morbid ambitions who became another victim to American deception” behind the August 2008 conflict. She also mentioned the Tagliavini Report, claiming it confirms the Russian perspective, and lamented that the EU was not as “decent” and “brave” as it used to be 15 years ago, when people who represented them had the courage to speak truth.
She expressed the hope that GD’s attitude would be reflected by the Georgian delegation at the next round Geneva International Discussions. She said that Abkhazia occupied and Tskhinvali should also be prepared to “turn the tragic chapter”, noting that no-one will forget what happened. She also expressed Moscow‘s willingness to assist with the “normalization” of relations at both the bilateral and multilateral level. She added: “Moreover the countries are prepared to turn the pages, with an emphasis on consolidating statements made into practical cases, beginning with the conclusion of legally binding agreements on the non-use force by Tbilisi.”
Zakharova commented on GD’s issue of “second front”, saying: “It appears to me that, despite their deep emotions about what happened in the first decade, the citizens of Georgia understand the root causes of what happened …. The people see what happened, that behind the words of freedom, democracy, and everything good there was a dangerous “wolf “… I think that the current position in Tbilisi, and the civil society of Georgia, is based on the understanding of Saakashvili’s criminal adventurism. This is why there are realistic assessment about the “second-front”. I don’t think anyone wants to be a “bargaining tool” in someone else’s game.
Zakharova said that it was necessary for Russia “to create a system of safety” and “unite [all] sensible countries under the aegis a new global order”, promising that after this “all the talk of the “second front”, of dominance, of “divide and conquer” will be irrelevant.”
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