The idea of negotiations on relations between Russia and Georgia in the Norman format looks peculiar, since the problems between the states concern these two countries, and in Russian-Ukrainian relations a completely special situation. This was stated by the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs Dmitry Novikov.
As Novikov pointed out, the Norman format itself is a special situation.
“Firstly, hostilities are underway, and secondly, referendums on the recognition of the independence of the respective territories were held in the territories of these republics (Donbass – ed.), with which the Ukrainian side cannot agree, and the Russian side cannot agree with such methods of resolution situations”, – he added.
He explained that Moscow’s disagreement is due to the fact that this goes against the principles of international law, and secondly, many Russian citizens live in the self-proclaimed DPR and LPR and Russia, respectively, is responsible for their protection.
Novikov pointed out that we are talking about two fundamentally different stories.
“It seems to me that the conversation about the Norman format in relation to Russian-Georgian relations looks, to put it mildly, artificially drawn”, – the deputy noted.
Earlier, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili said in an interview with the First Channel of Georgia that a format like Norman would be useful for Georgia.
According to her, in a similar format, Georgia could be “represented together with its partners”, since it cannot afford to negotiate alone.