With the signing of a treaty with the de facto government of Abkhazia (and presumably, in the future with the so-called South Ossetia) the Government of the Russian Federation exacerbates the already difficult relations between Georgia and Russia, as well as contributes to further alienation of the two Orthodox peoples. I want to draw public attention to the several issues:

The signing of the treaty ignores the universally recognized principle of international law that in making such a decision should be taken into consideration the opinion of indigenous people. Everyone knows that in this case, more than 20 years ago, the majority of the indigenous population forcibly expelled from the place of residence and, consequently, cannot take part in deciding the fate of this region.

I have repeatedly pointed out that for a long time we are not able to meet the religious needs of living in Abkhazia parish members of the Georgian Orthodox Church, which is also a violation of the international law. Of course, what has happened is very unfortunate reality, which we will never accept. I have repeatedly said and I would like to repeat once more that for a country of the Most Holy Mother of God - this is only a temporary problem.

Eventually, Georgia will restore relations with the brotherly Abkhaz and Ossetian peoples. Georgia also will restore the territorial integrity, as truth and justice must prevail.