EU Calls Moscow to Drop Abkhaz, S.Ossetia Plans

European Union said on April 18 it was “seriously concerned” over Russia’s decision to establish official ties with breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia and called on Moscow “not to implement its decision.”

“The EU considers that this decision risks further increasing tensions and undermines the international peace efforts where the Russian Federation participates too,” EU Slovenian presidency said in a statement on behalf of the 27-nation bloc. “The EU reiterates its firm commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders as reaffirmed in the UNSC [UN Security Council] resolution 1808 of 15 April 2008. The decision of the Russian Federation jeopardises the implementation of these principles.”

“The EU urges all parties involved to refrain from any actions that could lead towards the escalation of the situation in the region.”

It has also said that EU welcomed President Saakashvili’s recent proposals on peaceful resolution of the Abkhazia conflict and noted that EU “stands ready to contribute to these efforts.”