Abkhaz Elections Not Legitimate

The United States does not recognize the results of the August 26th so-called presidential election in the Abkhazia region of Georgia. Russia is one of only four countries that has recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, another breakaway Georgian enclave, shortly after a brief war with Georgia over the territories.

The United States reiterated its support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. The United States urges Russia to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal of forces to pre-conflict positions and free access for humanitarian assistance to the territories.

European High Representative Catherine Ashton and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen each issued statements dismissing the Abkhazian presidential results.

"The European Union," Ms. Ashton stated, "does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework within which these elections have taken place. The European Union reiterates its support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, as recognized by international law."

Secretary General Rasmussen, meanwhile, reiterated NATO's "full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders" while adding it "does not recognize the elections held on August 26 in the Georgian region of Abkhazia."

In a separate statement, Jerzy Buzek, the President of the European Parliament said: "These elections do not change the position which the European Parliament holds on the breakaway region of Abkhazia in Georgia. Abkhazia is an autonomous region of Georgia and the European Parliament is committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia."