US Department of State condemns Russia-Abkhazia military deal
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The United States (US) Department of State says it "strongly opposes” the ratification of a military deal between Russia and Georgia’s western de facto Abkhazia region on the creation of joint troops.
We do not recognise the legitimacy of this so-called ‘treaty’, which does not constitute a valid international agreement,” said US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby at a press conference today.
Kirby stressed the US' position on Georgia’s two de facto regions Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) "remains clear”.
These regions are integral parts of Georgia and we continue to support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Kirby said.
He added Russia should fulfill all of its commitments under the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, reverse its recognition of the de facto regions as independent states and provide free access for humanitarian assistance to these regions.
Yesterday Russia’s president confirmed the "validity” of the deal with his signature.
The illegal deal stated the main task of the combined military force would be "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.
Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has today released a special statement, "strongly condemning” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision yesterday to sign a military deal between Russia and Georgia’s western de facto Abkhazia region on the creation of joint military troops.
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.
The State Duma of the Russian Federation today ratified the document signed in Moscow last November, outlining the creation of a joint group of armed forces between Russia and Georgia’s breakaway region.
President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili is urging the international community to adequately react to a Russian decision to legalise the presence of Russian troops in one of Georgia’s breakaway regions.
A high official in the government of the United Kingdon (UK) has spoken out against the military deal Russia recently made with Georgia's de facto region Abkhazia, calling it "absolutely unacceptable.”
James Appathurai, NATO's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia region, says the recently ratified military deal on creation of joint troops between Russia and Georgia’s de facto Abkhazia region contradicts international law.
Georgia has bipartisan support from the United States, says US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly, following a major decision by the House of Representatives to continue supporting Georgia.
"When there is a war in Syria, Africa and Aleppo and Georgia-related issues are still voiced in the United Nations Security Council, it’s very important for us,” says Georgian diplomat Kakha Imnadze.
Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili is calling on the global community to "properly assess” Russia’s "illegal actions” on the Georgian territory and take relevant measures.
Georgia’s Patriarchate is calling on the government to find ways to let UNESCO experts monitor cultural sites and monuments in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions.
The United States upcoming administration’s foreign policy in relation to Georgia was discussed as the Georgian Prime Minister’s Foreign Adviser visited the US.