Georgia, Tbilisi, August 27 /Trend N.Kirtzkhalia/
The European Council observation mission is concerned with Russian president Vladimir Putin's visit to Abkhazia which was not agreed with the Georgian government, according to an EU representative statement in Georgia published on Tuesday.
'The EU representation believes that this is inconsistent with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. The EU representation again stresses its adherence and support to Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty within internationally recognised borders.
"Moreover, the EU representation again stresses that it adheres to the principle of peaceful settlement of conflicts and attaches great importance to it calling on the parties to make the maximum effort in this direction', the statement said.
Yesterday Georgia sent a note to Russia in connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the country's breakaway region.
President Putin visited Abkhazia on August 25. He met with the head of the breakaway Abkhazia republic Alexander Ankvab in Pitsunda. On August 26 celebrations took place in Abkhazia in connection with the fifth anniversary of its recognition by the Russian Federation.
Large scale military action was launched in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military.
Russia recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August. In response, Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognised republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.