Moscow paid attention to free interpretation of the results of V.V. Putin and M.N. Saakashvili recent meeting expressed in late utterances of Georgian officials. Particularly they pointed to some agreement of controlling jointly the checkpoints at Abkhazian and South Ossetian border sectors i.e. at Psou and Roki Tunnel. They mention allegedly received by Georgian side assurances that Russia “will never recognize” Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
This forms wrong impression of some agreements achieved behind Sukhumi and Tskhinvali.
In this regard we consider it necessary to state following.
The question of checkpoints monitoring at the meeting of the Presidents of Russia and Georgia was never raised. This question is discussed at Russian-Georgian consultations on WTO problems in Geneva. During these discussions we from the beginning openly underline that practical realization of any mechanisms of customs control at “Gantiadi”-“Adler” and “Lower Zaramag”-“Roki” checkpoints is completely depend on Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian conflicts settlement and on Sukhumi and Tskhinvali consent. They well informed of our approaches. We believe that awareness of this evident fact is understood by Georgian partners.
The problem of unresolved conflicts was not discussed in details and no “assurances” were given on this account during the meeting of the Presidents of Russia and Georgia. The fact is that the Russian side confirmed they were not going to imitate illegal acts of some western states but unilateral declaration and recognition of Kosovo’s independence no doubt will be considered in our further policy. Moreover Russia confirmed its adherence to the peaceful conflicts settlement considering Abkhazia and South Ossetia opinions.
Russia comes out for open and fair dialog of concerned parties and is ready to act in the capacity of a mediator. Now as before we consider signing the documents of non-use of force and security guarantees of the sides of the conflict the most significant first step. Tskhinvali and Sukhumi have prepared for this for a long time. It’s up to Tbilisi.
We will never conclude undercover bargains. It is groundless to arrogate us such intentions.
27 February, 2008.
