Georgian opposition criticizes invitation to dialogue with Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgian Prime Minister, has announced his readiness for a dialogue with the authorities of Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Oppositional MPs treat it as a sign of Georgian authorities' "powerlessness".

On March 4, residents of 13 Georgian cities went out to the action "Peace is more than war", demanding "de-occupation" of the country.

Although Georgia and Russia have restored mutual trade, a chain of "tragic events" still undermines "the prospect of settling relations," Mr Kvirikashvili has stated, recalling the death of Archil Tatunashvili, whose body has not yet been handed over to his family.

In the opinion of Roman Gotsiridze, the head of the parliamentary faction of the "United National Movement" (UNM) Party, the Premier's statement shows readiness for "capitulation to Russia."

According to Shalva Natelashvili, the leader of the Labour Party, Kvirikashvili's words indicate recognition of the legitimacy of the authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Kvirikashvili has "cautiously reproached" Russia, as any tough statements could worsen the Georgian-Russian relations, said Kakha Gogolashvili, the head of the Institute for Strategic and International Studies, suggesting that Abkhazian authorities, in view of their strive for independence, will not resort to compromises; same as South Ossetia, since Russia's influence is "strong in this region."