De Facto Abkhazia Calls on NATO to Stay Neutral
The de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Georgia’s Russian-backed breakaway region of Abkhazia, has issued a statement regarding the resolution on strengthening stability and security in the Black Sea region, adopted by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) on October 9 in Bucharest.
The ‘Ministry’ says that the adoption of the resolution, which repeats stamps on the "occupation of Georgian territories", violations of human rights…and with persistent calls for Tbilisi to intensify its integration with the North Atlantic Alliance, is a matter of serious concern.
“Western friends of Georgia who are pushing it towards NATO with all their might, do not want to recognize the lessons of the recent past. While encouraging Tbilisi to join this military bloc, the leaders of Western countries do not realize that they actually promote the growth of both aggression and intolerance within Georgian leadership and society,” the de facto MFA stated.
The so-called ministry also says that after the recognition of sovereignty of the “Republic of Abkhazia” in 2008 by the Russian Federation, the relations between the two countries are regulated by official bilateral agreements, including by the military sphere.
“The agreements within the military sphere are aimed at ensuring the defense and security of Abkhazia, and in no way affect Georgia. Regularly replicas of the Georgian side and its allies in the West stamps on the "occupation of Georgian territories" are simply meaningless,” the “MFA” added.
The de facto Ministry also says that the leaders of Georgia and their Western friends in essence continue “the vicious course to increase the propaganda hysteria,” which in no way contributes to productive dialogue, and negates all the efforts made by the parties in the framework of the Geneva international discussions.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia again appeals to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, to remain neutral in the implementation of such documents," the statement reads.
The resolution adopted by NATO PA says that NATO supports Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, denounces the occupation and militarization of the Georgian territories by Russia, and condemns the human right violations in Georgia’s Russian occupied regions. It also blames Russia for intimidating and attempting to destabilize NATO aspirant countries.
Moreover, the document recognizes Georgia’s progress and democratic reforms and reconfirms its commitment to the 2008 Bucharest Summit decision, that says that Georgia will eventually become a NATO member.
The resolution calls upon the governments of the Black Sea region states to boost strategic discussions regarding Black Sea security.
Thea Morrison