The proposed 'integration' treaty between Russia and the self-proclaimed "Republic of Abkhazia" violates international law, according to co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Anadolu agency reported.
In a statement issued Friday, the co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Georgia, Michael Aastrup Jensen and Boriss Cilevics expressed their "deep concern" at the treaty proposed on Oct. 13 by Russia for the "alliance and integration" of the former Georgian republic.
Abkhazia declared independence in 2008 following a six-day war with Georgia in which the volatile region was backed by Russia.
"This proposed agreement violates international law and is another example of the creeping annexation of the Georgian region of Abkhazia by the Russian Federation," the co-rapporteurs said, adding that Russia should rather encourage and facilitate contacts between the people residing in Abkhazia and those in the rest of Georgia, instead of creating new barriers between them.
Jensen and Cilevics are scheduled to visit Georgia between Dec. 3 and 5 as part of the ongoing monitoring procedure, the statement said.
The self-declared independent state of Abkhazia is recognized by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Nauru.