Georgian called on Russia Wednesday to assist in the manhunt for the perpetrators of the deadly bombing in the eastern city of Gori in February.

"Georgia hopes Russian investigative agencies will take all necessary steps to help their Georgian colleagues detain those who played a key role in masterminding and launching the Gori attack," a Foreign Ministry statement said, cited by the Interfax news agency.

Three policemen were killed and 23 passers-by injured in an explosion outside the police headquarters of Gori on Feb. 1. Tbilisi accused the Russian military intelligence of being behind the attack. Russia dismissed the allegation, saying the claim reflected the general unfriendly attitude of Tbilisi towards Moscow.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, however, sought to downplay the dispute Monday, saying his country does not want to use the Gori blast to enter confrontation with Russia.

Georgia is ready to cooperate with Russia in fighting terrorism and develop friendly relations with Russian leaders, Saakashvili said.

The statement reaffirmed Saakashvili's stand by saying Georgia is ready for "cooperation" and expects "appropriate steps from Russia."

Source: Xinhua