TBILISI. Dec 20 (Interfax_AVN) - Georgian and Russian Foreign Ministry officials started political consultations on the settlement of the Abkhaz conflict in Tbilisi on Friday.
Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Kakha Sikharulidze told Interfax that the two-day consultations will address options to increase the secure area controlled by CIS peacekeeping forces, the creation of an international interim administration in Abkhazia's Gali district and refugees' return.
Sikharulidze said that Georgia has already raised these issues on several occasions.
The deputy foreign minister expressed hope that this time "the Russian delegation will arrive in Tbilisi to present specific suggestions on this issue, rather than for a formal meeting."
Earlier, Georgia's suggestion to make the entire Gali district a secure area came under strong criticism from Abkhazia.
Among other Georgian proposals were the creation of a joint Georgian-Abkhaz law enforcement unit in the Gali district. Sukhumi called these options unacceptable.
Representatives of CIS countries and the UN mission in Georgia will also be present at the consultations.