Georgian PM rules out any recognition occupied regions in dealings with Russia

Georgia will not recognise Abkhazia or Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) as independent states, either directly or indirectly, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said, ruling out any agreements with the two Russian-controlled regions.

Kobakhidze was responding to a question about a Russian Foreign Ministry statement concerning guarantees of Georgia’s non-use of force.

“We cannot recognise these so-called states in any form. The Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia cannot be recognised by us in any way, even indirectly. Accordingly, no agreement can be concluded with them, and this will naturally be the position expressed by the special representative. The matter is very simple,” Kobakhidze said.

Asked why the government had decided to appoint a special representative for relations with Russia at this stage, Kobakhidze said it had identified the need for an additional channel to work on key issues.

He said these included the peaceful resolution of the conflict, trade and economic relations, and humanitarian matters.

“Over time, experience accumulates and you observe how events develop and what the practical experience shows. Ultimately, we saw the need for another channel to work actively on the relevant issues,” he said.

Kobakhidze added that the Geneva International Discussions and Georgia’s representation in that format would continue their work, alongside the new channel.

“Across all these areas, we identified the need for another important channel, and that is why we made this decision, taking established practice into account,” he said.

Russia recognised Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as independent states following the 2008 Russia-Georgian war. Georgia considers both regions part of its territory under Russian occupation.