Russia must reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and it must withdraw its forces from these regions of Georgia. According to a NATO official speaking to ET, NATO condemns the grave human rights violations taking place in these regions.
NATO’s message is clear and consistent: we fully support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. Russia must reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and it must withdraw its forces from these regions of Georgia.
We condemn the grave human rights violations taking place in these regions – as well as the construction of barbed wire fences along the administrative boundary line. We will also continue to support Georgia, as it improves its ability to defend itself“, - a NATO official says.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko arrived in occupied Abkhazia and met with its de facto leader Aslan Bzhania in Bichvinta on September 28. Georgian Foreign Ministry summoned the Ambassador of Belarus to Georgia following the visit.
The ministry demanded that Belarus respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally-recognized borders and not take actions that contradict the fundamental principles of international law.
The president of Georgia accused Lukashenko of violating bilateral relations and international law by visiting Abkhazia.
Asked about Lukashenka’s visit to Abkhazia during a 28 September briefing, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price reiterated the U.S. steadfast support for Georgia and its territorial integrity.
Russia recognised the `independence` of the two regions on August 26, 2008, following the five-day Russia-Georgia war.
Belarus does not recognize the independence of occupied Abkhazia.
- The Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, stated that Lukashenko is not a legitimate President of Belarus.
