Ivanov Comments on Russo-Georgian Ties

Sergey Ivanov, the Russian Defense Minister and Vice-Premier, said on February 5 that although Russia is interested in improving ties with Georgia, Moscow does not see “how it can happen.”

“Recently, there is only hysteria coming from Georgia and we see only provocations. Russia wants to normalize relations with Georgia but we do not see ways how this can happen,” Ivanov said at a news conference in Munich on the sidelines of a high-profile security conference.

He also said that Georgia should negotiate with the leadership of Abkhazia and South Ossetia if Tbilisi wants to solve these conflicts.

“Russia is not going to do this instead of you [the Georgian side],” Ivanov added.