EU, U.S. Reject Abkhaz Elections

The European Union and the United States do not recognize the presidential elections held in breakaway Abkhazia on December 12 and reiterate their support for Georgia’s sovereighty and territorial integrity, the EU and U.S. Department of State said in separate statements issued on December 14.  

“The European Union has taken note of the “presidential elections” held in the Georgian territory of Abkhazia on 12 December. The European Union does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which these elections have taken place. The European Union continues to support Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as recognised by international law,” the EU said in a statement.

“The United States regrets the decision to hold “elections” in the Abkhazia region of Georgia on December 12 and recognizes neither the legality nor the results. The United States reiterates its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”

Meanwhile, on December 14 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin congratulated Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh on his re-election as "President of independent Abkhazia".

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