Abkhazia’s de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has reacted to a statement by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian MFA, regarding Georgia’s course toward EU and NATO membership.
Officials in Sukhumi stated that they share Moscow’s position regarding the potential consequences of Georgia joining the European Union, noting that they are closely monitoring Tbilisi’s foreign policy course and believe it does not contribute to building trust in the region.
Sukhumi maintains that the policies of Georgia’s central authorities are aimed at the international isolation of Abkhazia—an occupied region of Georgia. It was noted that Tbilisi’s regular political statements and its refusal to sign a non-use of force agreement with Sukhumi are negative factors.
Georgia’s military cooperation with NATO—which includes the conduct of joint exercises on Georgian territory—is a source of particular concern in the occupied region.
Sukhumi also believes that such actions escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.
In Abkhazia, Georgia’s refusal to sign a non-use of force agreement is considered one of the primary factors of instability; the “MFA” added that this issue remains central to the Geneva International Discussions.
“Based on the above, it follows that it is Tbilisi that hinders the formation of a sustainable security architecture in the region.
We consistently proceed from the priority of ensuring our own security, sovereignty, and sustainable development. Any integration processes involving Georgia must not pose a threat to existing realities,” the statement from the de facto Abkhazian MFA reads.
