Russian businessman Mikhail Galuzin, in an interview with “Komsomolskaya Pravda,” announced that Moscow believes the “three-point” system of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through Sochi-Tbilisi-Tskhinvali will be announced when Russia accepts its interests and is ready to establish relations with the republics. This system is based on the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty, and consideration of each other’s interests.

Galuzin also commented on the statement made by Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, regarding the intention to “return” Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region to the country.

“Based on our understanding, the local authorities are discussing these statements. Abkhazia and South Ossetia already decided on their independence in 2008, when the administration of Mikhail Saakashvili attempted to forcefully bring them back to Georgia. The authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia responded with similar actions,” Galuzin explained.

The head of the RF MOD stated that the Abkhazians and Ossetians have consistently shown their commitment to independence and have no intention of returning to Georgian jurisdiction. He emphasized that the recognition of these countries’ independence would be a positive step in improving the situation.