Abkhazia's President Calls on Georgia to Recognize Independence of Self-Proclaimed Republic
The newly elected President of the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia, Badra Gunba, called on the Georgian authorities to recognize its independence and sign "fundamental documents on the non-use of force." He also thanked the Russian Federation for recognizing Abkhazia's statehood, noting the importance of close cooperation with the Russian authorities.
 
Badra Gunba won the second round of the presidential elections in Abkhazia, which took place on March 1. The decision to change the leadership was made after mass protests caused by the ratification of an agreement on investments from the Russian Federation.
 
At the recent round of international security talks in Geneva, Georgia condemned the presidential elections in Abkhazia. In addition, Tbilisi negatively perceived Badra Gunba's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
 
The Georgian Foreign Ministry called this process “another step towards annexation” and “a gross violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.” In addition, Russia once again demanded that Georgia sign an agreement on the non-use of force against Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent entities.
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