BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — The European Union dismissed the so-called presidential elections in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia, reiterating its support for the country’s territorial integrity.
“The European Union does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework in which these elections took place,” the EU’s said in a statement Saturday.
The vote, held on Feb. 15 in the Russian-backed region, has been widely condemned by Georgia and its Western allies. The EU reaffirmed its “policy of non-recognition and engagement,” vowing continued support for Georgia’s sovereignty “as recognized by international law.”
Abkhazia, along with South Ossetia, declared independence from Georgia after the 2008 war with Russia. Moscow recognizes both regions as independent states, while Tbilisi and most of the international community consider them part of Georgia.
