It is alarming that the majority of European states are unable to condemn the so-called elections held in occupied Abkhazia. The shortcomings in terms of discussing the issue of the occupation of Georgian territories in the broader context of European security lead to the feeling that ensuring stability, peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty and the definition of the ongoing occupation are beyond the capabilities of this and other international organizations, - Nikoloz Samkharadze, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, stated at the joint session of the three committees at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly winter meeting.

“First of all, I would like to draw your attention to the very painful and disturbing events that are affecting Georgia. This is the ongoing illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, and the events that are further worsening the situation on the ground. Last week, the so-called presidential elections were held in the Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia. Moreover, two polling stations were opened for these farcical elections on the territory of the Russian Federation, in Moscow and Cherkasy. We strongly condemn the so-called presidential elections held in the occupied region of Abkhazia and the opening of so-called polling stations on the territory of the Russian Federation,” Samkharadze noted.

According to him, this is a clear violation of international law and another attempt to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

“Let me emphasize that until the restoration of Georgian jurisdiction over the occupied territories, all actions and legislative acts of the de facto authorities are declared null and void. It is alarming that the majority of European states are unable to condemn the holding of these so-called elections. The shortcomings in addressing the issue of the occupation of Georgian territories in the broader context of European security lead to the feeling that ensuring stability, peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, and defining the current occupation are beyond the capabilities of this and other international organizations," said Nikoloz Samkharadze.