Tbilisi, Georgia, Nov.25
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Head of the EU Delegation to Georgia Janos Herman commented on the agreement on strategic partnership and alliance signed between Russia and Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.
The EU is closely monitoring the process, he said after meeting with Georgian State Minister for European Integration Davit Bakradze.
"I want to reiterate the position of the EU, which was announced immediately after legalization of this so-called agreement," said Herman. "First of all, I want to note that the so-called agreement will harm all efforts aimed at the effective settlement of the issue."
At the same time, he said that this step of Russia violates the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, as well as the principles of international law and international obligations undertaken by Moscow.
"Naturally, we will continue to closely monitor this process," said Herman.
Russia and Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia signed a treaty of alliance and integration on November 24.
On the night of August 8, 2008, military actions were launched on the territory of South Ossetia, Georgia. Later the Russian troops occupied the city and drove back the Georgian military. In late August, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced two unrecognized republics as occupied territories.