The United States has called “unacceptable” the visit of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin to Abkhazia, urging Moscow to “respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia”. This is stated in received by RIA Novosti statement, state Department spokesman Heather Nauert.
“The US considered the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Russian-occupied Georgian territory of Abkhazia as unacceptable and inconsistent with the principles of the Geneva international discussions, participant of which is Russia”, — said in a statement.
The state Department stressed that “the United States fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders and rejects Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”.
The United States urged Russia “to withdraw its troops to positions they held prior to military action in 2008, and to reconsider the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”.
Earlier, NATO expressed regret over Putin’s visit to Abkhazia without the consent of the official Tbilisi. Also the visit of the Russian leader condemned the presidents of Georgia and Ukraine Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko.
Putin arrived in Abkhazia on a working visit, held talks with President Raul khadjimba in Pitsunda. The politicians discussed the issues of defense and economy. Before Putin’s three arrived in Abkhazia in 2009, 2011 and 2013.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia in the early 1990-ies. In 2008, the Republic was officially recognized by Russia after the unsuccessful attempt of the Georgian authorities the power to regain control over South Ossetia.