Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Russia can’t negotiate with the current regime in Tbilisi. In a strongly worded statement, Lavrov said Georgia is only trying to provoke Russia. He also said Moscow believes a foreign backer is guiding Georgia's actions
The minister was highly critical of Georgia’s stance over its commitment not to have foreign military bases on its soil. He also pointed to Tbilisi’s obligations over an initiative to set up a joint Russian-Georgian anti-terror centre. According to Lavrov, Georgia is breaking the terms of the agreements, whereas Russia is only too willing to stick to the deal. , Lavrov said that, among other things, Russia has withdrawn its troops from Georgia.