Manana Manjgaladze
The Georgian president's press secretary, Manana Manjgaladze, told a briefing today that Georgia was prepared to begin dialogue with Russia.
"Unfortunately, the Russian government is still refusing to start such dialogue. The restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia is possible only after the negotiations are over on the de-occupation of Georgian territories, repatriation of IDPs and respect for Georgia's territorial integrity," Manjgaladze said.
She added that there should be only one embassy of Russia on the territory of Georgia instead of three, as the Russian leadership wants.
The Russian authorities said yesterday that the only side that is holding up the negotiations with Russia is the government of Georgia.
The Russia authorities described as propaganda the Georgian president's decision to lift the visa regime with Russia,
Manjgaladze also told the briefing about major rehabilitation project, announced by President Saakashvili during his visit to Kakheti Region yesterday.
Manjgaladze said several thousand new jobs would be created as part of the project, which aims to revive populated areas.
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