Georgian MFA Slams Moscow for Interfering in Abkhazia
In a strong-worded statement issued on January 12 the Georgian Foreign Ministry expressed protest over Russia?s involvement in the Abkhaz presidential polls and described Moscow?s actions as a ?violation of Georgia?s sovereignty and territorial integrity.?
?A group of Russian MPs led by Parliament?s Vice-Speaker Sergey Baburin, without any prior notification of the Georgian authorities, crossed the state border and arrived in Abkhazia,? the statement reads.
?They interfered in the so-called presidential elections in breakaway Abkhazia in a rough manner and made statements in support of secessionist authorities, as well as called for international recognition of Abkhazia?s independence,? the statement reads.
Deputy Speaker of the lower house of the Russian Parliament Sergey Baburin said voting in the Abkhaz president elections “would be an investment in the international recognition of Abkhaz [independence].” He added that the lower house of the Russian parliament would “possibly consider associated membership of Abkhazia into the Russian Federation as early as 2005.”
The Georgian Foreign Ministry demanded that the Russian side ?eradicate [these] destructive actions? in breakaway Abkhazia.
?We appeal to the world community to give an adequate assessment of Russia?s attempts to violate Georgia?s sovereign rights by interfering in its internal affairs,? the Georgian Foreign Ministry states.
