International Affairs

Russia to sign first agreements with breakaway countries

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is due to pay his first visit to South Ossetia, since Russia officially recognised its independence. On Sunday he travelled to Sukhum, capital the other newly recognised state, Abkhazia.

Lavrov discussed candidates for Russian and Abkhaz…

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is due to pay his first visit to South Ossetia, since Russia officially recognised its independence. On Sunday he travelled to Sukhum, capital the other newly recognised state, Abkhazia.

Lavrov discussed candidates for Russian and Abkhaz ambassadors in the two countries with president Sergei Bagapsh, as well as the prospective location of the Russian embassy in Sukhum. The new ambassadors are to be named in the near future.

Lavrov pledged Russia’s commitment to developing Abkhazia, and securing recognition of its independence by other countries. Besides Russia, Nicaragua is the only country to fully recognise the republic’s independence. Belarus and Venezuela have indicated they may recognise it in the near future.

“Russia guarantees there will be no more war in Abkhazia. That will be done with the help of the treaty of amity, cooperation and mutual assistance, which will be signed at the summit level in the near future,” Lavrov stated at a joint press-conference with Sergei Bagapsh.

“We shall sign specific agreements regarding various sectors as is fitting for two countries that are allies. They will cover areas of defence and security, customs and borders, free trade and tax policies, currency and banking system. This is in direct line with the assistance the Russian Federation is giving Abkhazia to become a fully independent state,” he added.

The plane carrying Lavrov and a group of journalists was the first civil aircraft to land in the Abkhazian capital for more than a decade. Lavrov said that he can personally attest that the airport is in perfect condition and ready to receive international passengers.

For further information

Organisation: Ukraine Today
Web Site: http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/30437

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