As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council
Vienna | August 28, 2014
The United States does not recognize the legitimacy of the so-called presidential elections on August 24 in Georgia’s Abkhazia region, nor do we recognize their outcome. Such provocative actions erode trust and confidence and run counter to efforts to defuse tensions.
Our position on both Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains clear: These regions are integral parts of Georgia, and we reiterate our strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
We once again urge Russia to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal of its forces to pre-conflict positions, reversal of its recognition of the Georgian regions as independent states, and provision of free access for humanitarian assistance to these regions.
We renew our full support for the Geneva International Discussions as a means to achieving concrete progress on security and humanitarian issues that continue to impact the communities on the ground in Georgia. We call on all parties to work constructively towards that end.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
