Transport negotiations between Georgia and Russia may start after new government sworn in

Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct.18 / Trend, N.Kirtskhalia / Georgia's future government has not made any decision to start negotiations with Russia to restore transportation. Candidate for the post of Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said that this topic is still under consideration. The final decision will be taken after consultations with future prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. "We are examining the issue," she said. "The decision will be taken on the command system, headed by the prime minister." Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said that his ministry is ready to negotiate with the new Georgian authorities. According to Moscow, after billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili's coalition won the parliamentary elections in Georgia, transportation between Russia and Georgia will improve. "They have to make proposals," Sokolov said. "We are ready to consider it and start negotiations." Transportation between the countries deteriorated sharply after the five-day war in 2008, after which Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Russia. Military actions were launched in the Georgian territory, South Ossetia on Aug.8 in 2008. Later Russian troops occupied the city of Tskhinvali and drove the Georgian military back. Russia recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late August. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced two unrecognised republics as occupied territories. Georgian Airways airlines S7 and Airzena now fly charter flights from Moscow to Tbilisi. Parliamentary elections were held in Georgia on October 1. Around 14 parties and two political blocs participated in the elections. According to full the preliminary data of the Georgian Central Election Commission, the Georgian Dream coalition received 85 seats in the parliament, and the United National Movement, 65. The leader of the Georgian Dream coalition has introduced new candidates for ministerial posts in the new Georgian government. Ivanishvili plans to become prime minister. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az