MOSCOW. Oct 20 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Foreign Ministry has refuted information that serious differences emerged between Moscow, Sukhumi and Tskhinvali at the October 15 meeting in Geneva.
"Life makes us adjust our positions with our Abkhaz and South Ossetian partners, but this does not mean that we should coincide on absolutely all nuances," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said in an interview published in the Ogonek journal.
Russia recognized the independence for Abkhazia and South Ossetia, "which means that Sukhumi and Tskhinvali have their own ideas about how to conduct their domestic affairs and build relations with neighbors - Russia and Georgia," Karasin said.
"Probably, those who speak about serious differences between the Russian, Abkhaz and South Ossetian delegations just indulging in wishful thinking," the diplomat said.
Karasin also said he opposed turning international discussions on South Caucasus in official talks. "They were intended as an informal exchange of opinions which is called to help in this difficult situation. Attempts to move them forward them in the format of official talks will result in nothing," the diplomat said.
The diplomat pointed out that the [parties agreed to prepare the next meeting by November 18.
"The destiny of Geneva discussions now depends totally Georgia's sound consideration of the new reality in South Caucasus, as well as the flexibility of procedural decision in the European Union - the organizer of these meetings," Karasin said.