The European Union does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which the so-called presidential elections in the occupied region of Abkhazia have taken place - reads the statement of 24 August 2014 by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union, Ms Catherine Ashton, reports GHN based on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The European Union supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, as recognised by international law. In view of reports about 'presidential elections' in the Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia on 24 August, we recall that the European Union does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which these elections have taken place."
The NATO Secretary General, Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen also condemned the so called "presidential elections in the Georgian region of Abkhazia stating that "this election does not contribute to a peaceful and lasting settlement of the situation in Georgia" and reiterating the Alliance's "full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders".
The U.S. Department of State also responded to the so-called "presidential elections. The Spokesperson in particular emphasized that "United States does not recognize the legitimacy of these so-called presidential elections on August 24th and will not acknowledge their outcome. We once again urge Russia to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal of its forces to pre-conflict positions, reversal of its recognition of the Georgian regions as independent states, and provision of free access for humanitarian assistance to these regions". The U.S. Department of State statement emphasizes the importance of the Geneva international discussions as a means to achieving concrete progress on security and stability in the region.
The Estonian Foreign Minister, Mr Urmas Paet made a statement saying that "the so-called presidential elections that were conducted in Georgia's occupied territories in Abkhazia on the 24th of August are illegal since they are in contradiction with the principles of Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Recognizing these elections would mean legitimizing a military occupation". In his statement Urmas Paet invited Russia to fulfill all the terms of the ceasefire agreement of 2008, including returning its forces to their pre-conflict positions. According to the Estonian Foreign Minister, "continuing international Geneva talks and guaranteeing the European Union's observation mission access to the entire territory of Georgia, including Abkhazia, is important in regards to establishing safety and stability in the region".
The so-called presidential elections that were conducted in Abkhazia on the 24th of August were also condemned and declared as illegal by the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Ukraine, as well as by the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry wishes to extend its thanks to the international community for this firm support.