**Russia Hopes for Progress in Geneva Talks after Georgian Authorities Blame 2008 War on Previous Government**
The 17th anniversary of the Russian invasion of Georgia has sparked a new round of comments and statements from both sides. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, seized on recent remarks by Georgian Dream authorities that blamed the war on the previous government led by Mikheil Saakashvili.
According to Zakharova, there is reason to hope for progress in the Geneva International Discussions (GID), a process aimed at implementing the 2008 ceasefire agreement and addressing security and humanitarian issues. She noted that Georgian authorities’ public acknowledgments of Saakashvili’s aggression against South Ossetia, as well as statements about the need for reconciliation with Abkhaz and South Ossetians, could lead to concrete practical steps.
**Acknowledgments Must Become Decisive**
Zakharova emphasized that such acknowledgments must become decisive in Tbilisi’s approach to building relations with Sokhumi and Tskhinvali. She suggested that the priority task would be signing a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force, which she believed would serve as a reliable guarantee against another tragic event like August 2008.
The spokesperson also called for the delimitation and demarcation of Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-South Ossetian borders, arguing that this would facilitate stabilization in the border areas. Zakharova framed the 2008 war as a result of Georgian aggression, accusing Saakashvili’s government of violating all international agreements by launching a military assault on South Ossetia.
**Controversy Surrounds Georgian Statements**
Her remarks come after a series of controversial statements from ruling Georgian Dream officials blaming the previous government for triggering the August 2008 war. Zakharova concluded her statement by reaffirming Russia’s readiness to support these processes as a neighbor of Abkhazia, Georgia, and South Ossetia.
**Background and Context**
The 2008 war was a significant conflict that led to the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia. The Geneva International Discussions have been ongoing since then, with various stakeholders seeking to address security and humanitarian issues in the region. The recent controversy surrounding Georgian statements has sparked debate about accountability and reconciliation.
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