Georgia's Foreign Ministry condemns illegal resumption of flights to occupied Abkhazia by Russia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on Thursday expressed its concern over the illegal operation of Sokhumi Airport and the commencement of air travel in the Russian-occupied Abkhazia region.

The foreign office noted that the unlawful flight carried out by a Russian airline on Thursday, as well as the so-called “agreement” signed with the occupation regime concerning the transfer and exploitation of Sokhumi Airport by Russia, represented a blatant violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“These actions also breach the law of Georgia on occupied territories, fundamental principles and norms of international law, including the UN Charter and the Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), of which both Georgia and the Russian Federation are members”, the statement said.

The Ministry also highlighted with concern the launch of railway transportation from Russia to the occupied Abkhazia region on the same date.

Georgia’s Foreign Ministry added that it would continue to activate relevant international mechanisms and called on the international community to properly assess and respond to Russia’s actions aimed at undermining Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Ministry urged the Russian Federation to fulfill its international obligations, including those under the ICAO Convention and the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008.