Jun 03, 2004

Abkhazia: Duma adopts statement on situation in Abkhazia


Russian State Duma has issued a warning to the Georgian leadership to the effect the escalation of tensions over Abkhazia may trigger irreversible consequences
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MOSCOW, June 2 -- Russian State Duma has issued a warning to the Georgian leadership to the effect the escalation of tensions over South Ossetia and Abkhazia may trigger irreversible consequences.

In a special statement in connection with the recent decision to move Georgian Interior Ministry troops to South Ossetia the Russian legislators expressed alarm over what they described as the emergence of an explosive situation in the immediate proximity to the Russian state border.

This situation, the State Duma said, “poses a threat to the security of many Russian citizens resident in the area of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.”

The Russian lawmakers are certain that Russia has the right and is obliged to take every action possible under the Constitution and the U.N. charter to protect their lives, health and property.

The Russian legislators expressed support for Georgia in its struggle against cross-border crime, but at the same time stated that “the need for such struggle cannot serve as an excuse for actions fraught with the risk of undermining the already strained situation and the full loss of confidence between the sides.”

The introduction of commando units and troops of the Georgian Interior Ministry to South Ossetian territory on May 31 can be regarded in no way other than a show of force, Russian legislators said.

This action “drastically destabilizes the situation in South Ossetia and abuses Georgia’s commitments it has assumed within the framework of the Joint Control Commission,” the statement runs.

Source: Itar-Tass