The de facto foreign ministry of occupied Abkhazia has responded to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who called on Russia to withdraw its troops and revoke the recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia at the NATO Ministerial.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia describes the statement made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg as a provocation that further escalates situation in the region. Such statements by European senior officials are directed at supporting the aggressor country, which has carried out many acts of genocide and armed aggression against the peoples of Abkhazia and South Ossetia," the de facto agency said.

The de facto Foreign Ministry emphasized that "the presence of Russian military units on the territory of Abkhazia is strictly regulated by inter-state agreements between Abkhazia and Russia".

"We would also like to remind NATO Secretary General that Russia's recognition of Abkhazia is ultimate and irreversible. The strengthening of military cooperation in the Georgia-NATO format creates additional threat to peace in the South Caucasus," the de facto Foreign Ministry said.