EU condemns Russia-Abkhazia agreement

EU condemns Russia-Abkhazia agreement

BRUSSELS -- Federica Mogherini has condemned the agreement signed by representatives of Russia and the leaders of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia.

"The signing of the so-called pact on alliance and strategic partnership between Russia and Abkhazia hinders the efforts to stabilize the security situation in the region," the EU foreign policy chief said in a statement.

Mogherini went on to say that this agreement constitutes "a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and is contrary to international law."

Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008 "seceded from Georgia after a brief armed conflict in which Russia militarily supported the separatists," Tanjug said in its report.

Besides Russia, the independence of these territories is recognized by Nicaragua, Venezuela and the Pacific state of Nauru. Abkhazia on Monday signed an agreement committing to keep its foreign and security policy in close coordination with Moscow.

Russia and Abkhazia have signed a strategic partnership agreement, the Kremlin announced.