Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili declared that he was ready
to have direct dialogue with Russian leaders.
Gharibashvili’s statement was a response to Russian
President Vladimir Putin, who said on Monday that he is willing to meet
with President Giorgi Margvelashvili,
reported DFWatch.
The Georgian PM took part in a talk show on Imedi TV on
Tuesday, where he said that he and the government has the same position, that
they are ready for direct dialogue with Russian leaders.
“As head of Georgia’s government, I confirm that I am
ready for direct dialogue,” he said. “I cannot say what type of dialogue this
will be and when.”
Gharibashvili said such a meeting requires thorough
planning and preparation.
“This meeting must be understandable for everyone and
first of all for our people,” he continued.
Georgia under then President Mikheil Saakashvili broke
off diplomatic relations with Russia after the 2008 war. Russia said it would
not deal with Mr Saakashvili or his government, but wanted contact with Georgia
if others were to represent the country.
PM Gharibashvili pointed out that the new government’s initiative to
mend relations with Russia has received positively by Georgia’s international
partners.
