Russia demanding binding deal on “non-use of force” against Abkhazia, S. Ossetia – Zakharova

Russia is demanding a binding agreement on the non-use of force against Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the country’s foreign ministry representative Maria Zakharova said on Monday in relation to Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.  

 

She claimed by recognizing the “independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia” 15 years ago, in the aftermath of the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia, the Kremlin had guaranteed the regions “protection and gradual development, turning them into modern and independent states”. 

“The largest part of the population of Abkhazia and South Ossetia has Russian citizenship and supports the deepening of the alliance with Russia.We attach great importance to ensuring the security of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russian military bases operate on their territory, joint protection of the state border is carried out to prevent possible provocations from outside, which is relevant considering the new geopolitical reality”, she said. 

Tbilisi has stated many times it has no plans to take the move as it would mean the recognition of the regions as independent states. Moreover, Georgia is demanding Russia to withdraw its troops from its territory. 

Only Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria have joined the illegal recognition of the regions as independent states since 2008, while the rest of the international community is unanimous that the regions are occupied by Russia.