23:30, 15 March 2007

Council of Europe reiterates its non-recognition of the outcomes of Abkhazian elections

The Council of Europe rejects the legality of parliamentary elections in Abkhazia. It was declared by Fiorenzo Stolfi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of San Marino and Chairman-in-Office of the CE's Committee of Ministers.

Having reminded that the Council of Europe "completely supports the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders," Mr. Stolfi has emphasized that the elections in Abkhazia "will not be legitimate until the political settlement has been reached, which guarantees all the refugees and displaced persons the right for worthy and safe return to their homes."

The Chairman of the CE's Committee of Ministers has also called Georgia and Abkhazia "to immediately restart negotiations for achieving peace and sustainable settlement of their conflict."

The elections to the parliament of unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia were held on March 4. By the outcomes thereof, the Central Electoral Commission has registered the elected deputies. According to the law on the elections to the parliament, on March 18 the second round will be held in 16 constituencies.

Author: Alena Aleschenko, CK correspondent