Georgia slams Russia’s plans to set up naval base in Abkhazia
- 7 October, 01:47
Russia’s decision to establish a naval base in its breakaway Abkhazia region has generated criticism in Georgia. The Foreign Ministry of the South Caucasus republic on October 5 described Russia’s move as "blatant violation" of its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
"We call on the Russian Federation to comply with its international obligations, implement the cease-fire agreement concluded on August 12, 2008, through the mediation of the European Union, and end the illegal occupation of integral regions of Georgia," the ministry said. It stressed that the international community supports Georgia’s territorial integrity.
The statement comes after the president of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania told Russian newspaper Izvestia on October 5 that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement in September about the establishment of the permanent base of the Russian Navy in Abkhazia’s Ochamchira district. Bzhania said the port was aimed to “improve the defense capabilities of Russia and Abkhazia” and serve the fundamental interests of Russia and Abkhazia.
Secretary of the Security Council of Abkhazia Sergei Shamba, however, said the agreement had been reached a long time ago.
Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia – two breakaway regions of Georgia – following a five-day Russian-Georgian war in 2008. The two regions are recognized as an integral part of Georgia, with the international community condemning their annexation by Russia.
Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia in 1992, a move that led to the war.
