Russian MFA: Abkhazia Elections were Democratic

In a statement issued on October 4, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the presidential elections held in Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia as ?calm? and ?democratic.? Russian news agencies reported that the Foreign Ministry expresses hope that the elections will foster both the Georgian and Abkhazian sides to continue peacefull talks over conflict resolution.

?According to information coming [from Abkhazia,] voting during the presidential elections in Abkhazia on October 3 were held in a calm and democratic [environment]. Over 60% of eligible voters cast their ballot during the elections,? reads the Russian Foreign Ministry?s statement.

?We hope that talks over the peaceful settlement of the Georgian-Abkhazia conflict will continue after these elections,? the statement says.