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The conflict between Georgia and South Ossetia was the main subject of discussion at the one-on-one talks.

Mr Medvedev and Mrs Merkel discussed the current situation and the prospects for a peace settlement based on the six agreed principles, which Mr Medvedev said provide the required and sufficient foundation for resolving the problem. Russia is waiting for President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili to put his signature to them. Once he does this, Russia will add its signature as a mediator. The two leaders also discussed measures to deal with the humanitarian disaster, in particular aid for refugees and help in rebuilding infrastructure.

Mr Medvedev declared the need to establish and guarantee peace in the North Caucasus. The President also reaffirmed that Russia will support the decisions the peoples of South Ossetia and Abkhazia make concerning the future of their republics and as guarantor of security in the region will make these decisions the guideline in its foreign policy in accordance with the peacekeeping mandate in effect.

Also discussed during the talks was the Russian proposal for a new pan-European treaty on collective security. Russia proposed discussing this idea at intergovernmental consultations that will take place this autumn.