GENEVA – A senior U.S. diplomat says talks have progressed between Russia and Georgia over issues remaining from the two countries' conflict in 2008.
Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs Philip H. Gordon says a recent statement by Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili should meet a long-held demand by Russia and Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Saakashvili told the European Parliament last month that Georgia wouldn't use force in future to resolve its differences with Russia.
Gordon told reporters Thursday that the gesture should allow the parties to focus on concrete issues such as the return of refugees, and access to gas and water.
He urged Russia to make a similar pledge to refrain from using force in future.
