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US criticizes Russian FM's visit to Abkhazia, South Ossetia

Georgia Materials 1 May 2011 02:09 (UTC +04:00)

The United States on Saturday criticized Russia's recent efforts to conclude formal state-to-state agreements with the de facto" authorities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, dpa reported.

The visits by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the week to "those separatist regions are inconsistent with the principle of territorial integrity and Georgias internationally recognized borders," the US Department of State said in a statement.

"The United States remains committed to a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Georgias separatist regions and the restoration of Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," said Mark Toner, a State Department spokesman.

"We further call upon all parties to the conflict to fully implement their commitments pursuant to the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement," Toner said.

Lavrov signed bilateral agreements on transport, rescue operations and cultural centres, according to Russian media.

The two territories were at the centre of a brief war in 2008 between Russia and Georgia. Russia now recognizes the two South Caucasus regions as independent, while the West considers them to be part of Georgia.

On Thursday, the European Union also denounced the foreign minister's visit.

"The EU does not consider these visits compatible with the principle of territorial integrity," said a statement from the EU's foreign policy chief.

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