Head of Abkhazian Gov’t, Ecumenical Patriarch review situation in occupied region

The current situation in the Russian-occupied north-western Georgian region of Abkhazia, and the peaceful conflict resolution policy of the Georgian Government and the Government of Abkhazia, were discussed on Thursday in a meeting between Ruslan Abashidze, the Head of the regional Government and Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.

Hosted by the religious leader, Abashidze informed the Patriarch about negative impacts of processes related to the Russian occupation and the country’s annexation attempt imposed on persons living legitimately in the region.

He also noted impacts of the Russian policy on the individuals’ legal status, their illegal detentions, violations of the right to life, freedom of movement and the right of receiving education in their native language, the press service of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia said.

The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his “strong” support for the territorial integrity of Georgia and once again “unwaveringly” confirmed the jurisdiction of the Georgian Orthodox Christian Church in the occupied territory of the region.

Members of the Georgian delegation thanked the Patriarch for his support of the country’s territorial integrity.