Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) condemns the so-called presidential elections held by Russia in Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia region that grossly violate Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

According to the Georgian MFA, amid the situation when IDPs from the occupied territories are not allowed to return to their homes and while locals residing across the occupied territories are restricted in their rights and freedoms, any so-called elections in occupied regions are illegal and will not arise legal outcomes, contradict international law norms and principles.

“The Foreign Ministry appeals to the international community to adequately assess and react to the activities undermining Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Ministry calls on Russia to stop activities that violate Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and fulfil the commitments per the August 12, 2008 truce agreement and withdraw its troops from Georgia’s territory,” reads the statement.

The occupied Abkhazia region holds so-called early presidential elections on February 15.