Abkhaz Groups Urge Moscow for Recognition

A group of Abkhaz public movements sent an appeal to the Russian authorities urging them to recognize Abkhazia based on the independence referendum held in the breakaway region in 1999, Apsnipress news agency reported on October 16.

?The only security guarantee for Abkhazia is recognition of its independence, first of all by Russia,? the appeal reads.

The document also says that Tbilisi?s policy toward Abkhazia has become ?more aggressive? after Mikheil Saakashvili came into power.

?The militarization of Georgia is underway with the support of the U.S. leadership and [this process] is first of all aimed at suppressing independence of the already self-determined Republic,? the appeal reads.