Georgian Prime Minister's Special Representative for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze said on Friday, November 4 that Tbilisi does not consider restoration of diplomatic relations with neighboring Russia until there is significant progress regarding Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgia Today reports.

Abashidze made the comments in response to remarks by Grigory Karasin, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, who told Russian news agency Ria Novosti on Thursday that despite Moscow's positive steps, the Georgian side is not ready to restore diplomatic ties with Russia yet.

According to Abashidze, Russia has simplified visa regime with Georgia this year and the number of visas issued by them has increased significantly. However, he excludes restoration of diplomatic relations, "until some positive steps are made by the neighbouring country towards territorial integrity of Georgia."

Karasin stated in his interview that Russia may introduce visa-free regime with Georgia, but Tbilisi's visa liberalization talks with the European Union should be taken into account.

The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party says Karasin’s statements cannot be followed by any consideration about restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“There is no positive ground to start such talks; our political incompatibility is resulted due to Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories,” said member of majority, Gia Volsky.