Russia stands for normalization of relations with Georgia, but cannot reverse its decision to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, said Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference in Moscow.
"I want to draw your attention to a well known problem. It lies in the fact that the current president (Mikhail Saakashvili - Ed.) brought the situation into a deadlock, and I, frankly speaking, do not really understand how to overcome it. Russia cannot change its decision relating to the recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. We cannot do it according to our decision, and Georgia cannot agree to recognize them as the independent countries. I cannot imagine what one can do in this situation, "- underlined Putin.
The president has underlined that Russia really wants to normalize relations with Georgia, "although economically, one should say directly, Georgia is interested in this matter more than we are."
"But we are not going to assume airs and say that we do not need it. No, we think that the relationship between two very close nations should be normalized, it is obligatory to seek it. I do not have the answer yet, how to overcome this most difficult problem in our relationship, but as there are people, who are willing to do it professionally, let's think about this together, "- said Putin.
