US Congressman Adam Kinzinger, the co-chair of the Georgia Caucus of the United States House of Representatives, on Thursday stated that Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko’s visit to the illegally occupied Abkhazia region of Georgia is a clear contradiction of the International norms.
Further, in his comments, Kinzinger stressed that the move was not at all surprising from the current Belarusian leader, but sending out clear messages on the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia held certain significance for the international community.
The US Congressman emphasized that the “despot” from Belarus has been acting as per instructions from Kremlin; however, the international community should clearly recognize that Tskhinvali( South Ossetia) and Abkhazia regions were and always continue to be territories of Georgia.
US Department of State emphasized their consistent support for Georgia and its territorial integrity within its recognized international borders; Russia is accountable for the commitments it made under the 2008 cease-fire agreements.
Belarusian President’s visit to de facto Abkhazia has received criticism from world leaders.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, “strongly” condemned Lukashenko’s visit to Abkhazia and his meeting with the representatives of the occupation regime. Adding further said, the step violated Georgia’s law on occupied territories and contradicted international law as well as bilateral relations between Georgia and Belarus.
“Lukashenko’s visit to Abkhazia is a total disrespect for UN charter and principles of Helsinki final act regarding respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia“, Mark Clayton, the British Ambassador to Georgia, said in response to Wednesday’s visit of Belarus President to Russian-controlled Abkhazia region.”
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