Georgia, Tbilisi, Aug. 12 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
Moscow's decision to deploy S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in Abkhazia does not contribute to regional stability, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia John Bass said today. He made the statement while commenting on Russia's recent deployment of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in Abkhazia.
"We do not have any information on whether this is a new anti-aircraft missile, or whether it was placed there a long time ago," he said. "This once again underscores the difference in the positions of Tbilisi and Sukhumi regarding arms transparency. The Tbilisi leadership has repeatedly demonstrated openness in contrast to Sukhumi. So we do not know what's going on."
Bass added that deploying the S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in Abkhazia will be "a strong impediment to restoring Georgia's territorial integrity in the long term."
"We call on Russia to fulfill all of the conditions of the ceasefire agreement dated Aug. 12, 2008, and to withdraw its troops from the occupied territory," he said.
Bass added that the United States declared its position on the conflict during U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent visit to Georgia.
"The U.S. position calls for the faithful implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the restoration of Georgia's territorial integrity," Bass said.