Georgia and Western countries could not learn a lesson from the tragic events developed in the Caucasus in August 2008, – reads the statement of the Foreign Ministry of Russia on the 11th anniversary of the August war.

“It is unfortunate that neither Georgia nor the West has learned a lesson from the tragic events developed in the Caucasus in August 2008. Instead of trying to foster good neighborly relations between Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, official Tbilisi and its Western partners are involved in the anti-Russian hysteria, equip the region with weapons and drag Georgia to NATO. All this creates a deadlock and does not contribute to peace, stability and security in the region,” reads the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Press and Information Department.

The Ministry notes that Russia “uses all its efforts” to launch dialogue and proper negotiation process “between Georgia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”

“We have always emphasized that the first step in this process should be an agreement on non-use of force. We once again call on the Georgian side and our Western partners to recognize the new geopolitical reality in the region,” reads the statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also stresses that Moscow actively cooperates with Abkhazia and “South Ossetia” and assists them financially, including “within the framework of investment programs aimed at promoting social and economic development.”

“Russia’s policy is absolutely transparent and its purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships with partners and to increase trust and mutual understanding,” reads the statement.