"I support speedy and full restoration of our bilateral relations. This is of course an issue for separate consultations. And here a parliament as a platform would be in demand. We do not want the Russian-Georgian relations to stay low-profile for years to come," Slutsky said.
The lawmaker noted that Russia and Georgia had close contacts since at least the 18th century, and also that more than a million Georgians were living in Russia.
"I also had meetings with representatives of the Georgian parliament. I think the situation with Russia and Georgia severing diplomatic relations was only beneficial for Russia’s strategic opponents. Efforts were made for us to quarrel with neighboring countries under various pretexts. And the Tskhinvali provocation was supposed to evoke Russia’s natural reaction to defend its peacekeepers and Russian citizens living in South Ossetia. We know the results," he said.
In August 2008, Georgia shelled South Ossetia and destroyed part of its capital, Tskhinvali. Russia rushed to defend South Ossetians, many of whom had Russian citizenship, brought troops into the region and drove out the Georgian forces within five days.
On Tuesday, Russian and Georgian parliamentarians held a meeting for the first time in 10 years, discussing visa regime simplification and agreeing to establish an informal parliamentary group of friendship.
