Statement of the MFA of Abkhazia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia is totally perplexed by the confrontational position of the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM), general Andrzej Tyszkiewicz.

We consider it unacceptable that the Head of the EUMM refuses to record the grave incidents on the border area, including several murders and attempts of political blackmail of the Abkhaz side. Being a participant of the negotiation process in the format of the Geneva Discussions and the Incidents Prevention and Response mechanism, Mr. Tyszkiewicz ignores our requests and appeals, and instead sets up illegitimate claim to admit the EUMM to Abkhazia, which contradicts the Medvedev-Sarkozy Agreement.

It is evident that the EUMM headed by A. Tyszkiewicz is not going to carry out impartial monitoring or give an objective assessment of the processes which threaten the situation in the region. In particular, it did not pay proper attention to the creation of illegal armed units in the Georgian areas close to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which was reported by several Georgian politicians.

By his actions, or more often total inaction, Mr. Tyszkiewicz undermines the effectiveness of The Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, the mutual understanding achieved by both sides and the whole constructive environment of the negotiation process.

Insulting remarks from Mr.Tyszkiewicz addressed to the Abkhaz side and his disrespect for the Abkhaz people and state are not acceptable either.

Based on all the abovementioned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia declares that Mr. Tyszkiewicz is not welcome in Abkhazia.

The MFA of Abkhazia reaffirms the commitment of Abkhazia to find a peaceful solution to the conflict within the framework of the Geneva Discussions, and considers it important to preserve the pentalateral Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism created as a result of the Discussions.

Source: MFA Abkhazia