Moscow has noted that Tbilisi has started to think of ways to normalize Russian-Georgian relations, but, at the same time, has said that it would be premature to speak of Russia's readiness for contacts with the new authorities in Georgia.

"I would describe such a statement as premature. First, we need to understand the true intentions of our Georgian partners, after which we will formulate our position," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Secretary of State Grigory Karasin told Interfax.

"My impression is that the new Georgian government has plenty to think about. Judging by certain signals, Tbilisi has already started to think of ways to normalize relations and what Tbilisi should do for it," he said.

Addressing the prospects for re-establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, Karasin said that representatives of Georgia's new authorities had already said in their statements that re-building diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia would be out of the question as long as Russia's embassies continued functioning in Tbilisi, Tskhinvali and Sukhumi.

"But this approach can change as well. We shall see. But today we need to closely follow the progress of Tbilisi's political thinking," he said.