“As long as even one Russian soldier and so-called occupying forces in any form remain on Georgian territory, there is no justification or reason to discuss any conditions,” Grigol Gegelia, Foreign Secretary of Lelo – Strong Georgia, said, commenting on a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

According to him, once Georgia’s territory is fully de-occupied and not a single Russian soldier remains on Georgian sovereign territory, it will be possible to discuss various conditions.

“The Russian Federation must first and foremost immediately and fully de-occupy Georgia’s territories. As long as even one Russian soldier and so-called occupying forces in any form remain on Georgian territory, there is no justification or reason to discuss any conditions.

“Once Georgia’s territory is fully de-occupied, when not a single soldier remains on Georgian sovereign territory, it will be possible to discuss various conditions and models for restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity,” Gegelia said.

For reference, a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Russia, Tskhinvali and Abkhazia are demanding legally binding guarantees of non-use of force from Georgia.