"Our Georgian neighbors say that they want normalization of relations with Russia, but at the same time they see South Ossetia and Abkhazia as occupied territories. Such rhetoric doesn't match restoring relations without preconditions", Lavrov said.

He said Russia and Georgia have a lot in connection historically and culturally. "Cultural and humanitarian ties between Russia and Georgia never ended. Diplomatic relations with Russia was stopped due to President Saakashvili, when he attacked South Ossetia. After the conflict the charter movement between some cities of Russia and Georgia restored.

Theatres regularly stage performances with participation of Georgian actors.
Performances are also staged by Georgian directors. The new government declared that they wanted normalization of relations with every country. They have several times declared about it officially. We want to understand in particular what and how they are going to do. We have never said no to the relations with our Georgian neighbors", Lavrov said.

Iraklli Alasania, Georgia's Defense Minister called on Russia to change rhetoric and respond to the Georgian government with positive steps.