Russian-Georgian relations are on the rise and close to the signing of an enlarged treaty after the main hindrance of military bases has been left behind, according to Khaindrava. We are now to come to terms on the settlement of conflicts on the territory of Georgia, added the minister.
He praised Russia's role in abating the Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-South Ossetian conflicts and expressed hopes that the signing of a friendship treaty was in the offing. The minister noted shifts in Georgian-Abkhaz settlement talks. "I am quite content with the Moscow talks, with their confidential spirit and quite a new tone in comparison with the previous time," he said.
Khaindrava reported about two main issues on the agenda of the consultations: refugee return and the opening of railway communication across Abkhazia. "I am happy that mutual understanding on these issues has improved," the minister said.