Georgia condemns Russian President’s ratification of yet another illegal deal with occupied Abkhazia

International pressure should be more strongly applied against Russia, says the Georgian President’s International Secretary Tengiz Pkhaladze.

Pkhaladze’s call comes after Russia’s recent ratification of a deal that will strengthen cooperation between Russia and Georgia’s occupied region of Abkhazia in the provision of medicines and medical treatment for Russians living in the occupied territories.

Pkhaladze also condemned the illegal military deal between Russia and another occupier region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) that envisages the creation of a joint military force.

This is a step that will worsen the security environment not only in Georgia but also in the region”, Pkhaladze said.

Condemning the ratification of the unlawful military deal, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said last week that it was "yet another illegal step towards the factual annexation of Georgian regions”.

• Russia recognised Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region as independent countries after a military armed conflict with Georgia in 2008.

• As of today, only four countries recognise Georgia’s breakaway regions as independent republics; these are Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Nauru.