There is no conflict for us. It was closed for Russia after recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia — Andrei Rudenko, new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and head of the Russian delegation at Geneva International Discussions told journalists in Geneva.

Rudenko underlined that all sides represented at Geneva discussions expressed readiness for de-escalation of the situation at the border line of Georgia with South Ossetia. He said that nobody was interested in creation of new flames of tension in the region.

Deputy Russian Foreign Minister said he hoped that with lowering of the level of general tension, checkpoints would be opened and the issue of all entrances would be resolved. “The situation has to be normalized and should return to the condition of June-July. Russia does not owe anything to anybody,” Rudenko said.

According to the head of the Russian delegation at Geneva talks, there is no conflict and occupation for Russia either. “We call it the creation of two new independent states in 2008 that have concluded an agreement of mutual cooperation with Russia including in military direction,” Rudenko stated.