MPs Slam Russian MFA Statement on Abkhazia Polls

Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties have denounced the Russian Foreign Ministry?s support for February 11 local elections in breakaway Abkhazia as a clear sign of inciting separatism.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on February 14 that the elections in Abkhazia ?mainly corresponded to international electoral and democratic norms.?

?Russia continues a policy of supporting separatism. Instead of mediating in conflict resolution, it incites aggravation. This is a classical demonstration of an unprincipled position and double standards,? Mikheil Machavariani, the Vice-Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, told Imedi television on February 15.

?It is disgraceful for the country when the Foreign Ministry makes such statements. However, it is not always the Russian Foreign Ministry, which makes such statements – I remember the first person of the country making such statements as well,? MP Nika Gvaramia of the ruling National Movement Party said on February 15.

MP Gia Tsagareishvili of the opposition Industrialist Party said that the Russian Foreign Ministry?s statement is ?inadmissible.?

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