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Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze Tbilisi, March 8 (Interfax) - The Georgian authorities would like to resume regular flights between Georgia and Russia, but it is Russia that should take steps toward this, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze said at a news briefing on Monday.

"Georgia is willing to restore the air link with Russia, but the problem is that the air link was cut at the Russian authorities' initiative, and only they can reverse their decision," Kalandadze said.

If the Russian authorities officially propose Tbilisi through the Swiss embassy that regular flights be resumed, Georgia will make a decision on this matter in the shortest possible time, she said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had said on February 25 that Russia was ready to resume regular flights with Georgia. "We are ready to begin regular flights," Lavrov said on the Voice of Russia radio.

Lavrov pointed out at the same time that the severance of diplomatic relations and consequently transport communication was not Russia's decision.

"Mr. Saakashvili deliberately took steps that benefited those who want Russia and Georgia to sever their relations for good. I'm confident that nothing will come out of it," he said.

Lavrov also noted that several charter flights had taken place between Moscow and Tbilisi during the Christmas holidays.