OREANDA-NEWS. April 21, 2008. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has given an instruction to carry out further practical measures to normalize relations with Georgia.

In addition to the decisions already realized to resume transport links between our countries, postal links will be restored over the coming days. Federal executive bodies have also been ordered to take steps to lift remaining visa restrictions for Georgian nationals, to speed up the completion of the reconstruction of the Verkhny Lars border crossing and to start bilateral consultations at the experts’ level on Russian market access for Georgian products. Other relevant measures are also provided for.

This is a continuation of our consistent line directed at lifting all the restrictions that hinder the economic and social development of the region, free movement of people, and cooperation between nations. It is a convincing confirmation of Moscow's constructive policy towards Georgia, its constant striving to restore traditional, good neighbourly ties with Georgia.

Normalized relations with Georgia, in which the Russian side is sincerely interested, would meet the vital interests of the Russian and Georgian peoples. We hope that our actions in this direction will be adequately regarded by the leadership of Georgia, from whom we expect reciprocal positive steps in the spirit of mutual respect and consideration for the lawful interests of each other in the area of security and many-sided regional cooperation.