Appathurai: “Russia-de facto Abkhazia military deal contradicts international law”
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James Appathurai, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, says the recently ratified military deal on the creation of joint troops between Russia and Georgia’s de facto Abkhazia region contradicts international law.
Appathurai wrote on his Facebook page yesterday that the deal had no legitimacy.
This so-called ‘treaty’ doesn’t constitute a valid international agreement,” Appathurai said.
He stressed NATO’s position to Georgia remained the same; that the two occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) were integral parts of Georgia.
And [NATO] allies continue to support Georgia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, Appathurai added.
The illegal deal between Russia and de facto Abkhazia envisioned the creation of joint military troops. The main task of the combined military force was "adequate reaction to an armed attack (aggression)”.
This joint group would contain Russian troops and be deployed in occupied Abkhazia. It would also include two Abkhazian motorised infantries, artillery and aviation groups as well as special forces units.
The group will be led by a Russian military representative.
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Georgia is strongly condemning the ratification of an illegal military deal between Russia and Georgia’s western de facto Abkhazia region that envisages the creation of joint military troops between Russia and the occupied area.
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