The Georgian government must stop perceiving South Ossetia as an object to be “returned,” the so-called president of occupied Tskhinvali, Alan Gagloev, said in an interview with Russian media.

“On our part, we openly declare our readiness for a pragmatic dialogue on an equal basis. However, such a dialogue will be possible only when the Georgian government abandons revanchist illusions, takes responsibility for past aggression, and stops perceiving South Ossetia as an object to be “returned,” Gagloev said.

According to him, “South Ossetia is still demanding the signing of the agreement on the non-use of force.”

"Unfortunately, it is impossible to talk about Tbilisi signing a document on the non-use of force in relation to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The recent statements made by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, have shown that the Georgian government is not inclined to establish an equal or civilized dialogue. When the main goal of the Geneva discussions, namely the signing of an agreement on the non-use of force, is declared not serious, this nullifies the many years of efforts of Russia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia and diminishes the importance of the only international platform where contacts between diplomats of our countries are carried out," Gagloev noted.