As delivered by Political Counselor Christopher Robinson
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
March 15, 2012
The United States does not recognize the legitimacy of the so-called “parliamentary elections” held in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on March 10. The regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia, and we reiterate our strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
The United States calls on the Russian Federation to abide by its commitments under the August 2008 ceasefire agreement and its September 2008 implementing measures, including the withdrawal of forces to positions held prior to the start of hostilities and the facilitation of free and unhindered humanitarian access to the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
