Russian Duma responds to President Salome Zourabichvili's statement

The idea of ​​negotiating Russia-Georgia relations in a "Normandy Format" seems peculiar, as the problems between Russia and Georgia primarily concern the two countries, while the Russian-Ukrainian relationship is a very special situation, - Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of the Russian Duma Dmitry Novikov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

Novikov commented on Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili's statement that the existent types of talks with Russia are of a technical nature and do not work; therefore, in her opinion, it would be better for the country to conduct a dialogue with Moscow in the "Normandy Format".

"This position seems to me peculiar, because these problems concern two countries and these two countries have to solve problems by themselves. The "Normandy Format" fits the Donetsk and Lugansk Republics – as there is a special situation, first of all, hostilities are taking place, and secondly - referendums on the recognition of independence have been held in these republics, something opposed by the Ukrainian side. Russia cannot accept the methods which may involve genocide,"- the Russian MP said.

"These are two fundamentally different stories, two completely different situations, and I think that talking about the Russian-Georgian relations in the "Normandy Format", to put it mildly, is artificial," Novikov said.