Rows bedevil Russia-Georgia talks

Tensions from the Soviet era still cloud Georgian-Russian ties

The presidents of Russia and Georgia say they have failed to resolve many of the differences that have strained their countries' relations.

But during talks in St Petersburg, Russia's Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia pledged to work together to improve ties.

The meeting - their first in two years - followed months of bitter exchanges between their governments.

Mr Saakashvili's moves to forge close ties with the EU and Nato irked Russia.

Russia has banned imports of Georgian wine, fruit and mineral water - the Caucasus republic's main export earners.

Georgia has accused Russia of waging "economic warfare" and says Moscow supports separatist movements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which have broken away from Georgia.

Co-operation pledge

Mr Saakashvili stressed the need to "restore constructive dialogue" with Russia, voicing "serious concern" over the problems in the former Soviet republics' relations.

"Unfortunately, so far we have more questions than answers," he told reporters.

Referring to the Abkhazia and South Ossetia problems, Mr Putin said: "We certainly could not have settled these problems during the short conversation we have just had, but... we have the desire to work together on this.

"We need patience and a desire to look for compromises.

"To do this, we should develop a technique of throwing bridges, not between Russia and Georgia, but between the peoples of South Ossetia and Georgia."

Russia has blocked imports of Georgian wine since March - a move Mr Putin defended by saying "too great a share of alcoholic beverages in Russia - 60% - is adulterated".

"Once we have tackled this problem, there will be no other questions with regard to the access of products to Russian markets," Mr Putin said after his talks with Mr Saakashvili.