Zelensky gets acquainted with security situation on border with occupied Abkhazia

In Georgia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky got acquainted with the security situation on the border with occupied Abkhazia and walked across the Ingur Bridge, which is currently the only entry-exit checkpoint in the region.

As the President’s Office informs, Zelensky “had an opportunity to observe the ongoing occupation of part of Georgia's sovereign territory” during a visit to the Abastumani observation post.

“Russia’s military presence is built up in Abkhazia, and the rights of citizens are being violated,” the President said.

At the same time, he noted that Ukraine and Georgia stood united in their initiatives to return the issue of temporarily occupied territories to the agenda of leading international and regional organizations.

In addition, during his visit to the Ingur Bridge, the President talked to representatives of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia.

According to Head of Mission Marek Szczygieł, the operation of the checkpoint was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of which local residents experienced significant difficulties, in particular, school teachers were not able to get home. Currently, the traffic across the bridge is resumed and up to 2,000 people cross this checkpoint every day.

At the same time, according to the President’s Office, the self-proclaimed “authorities” of Abkhazia and “South Ossetia” deny the Mission entry into Georgia’s occupied territory under their control.

As the President assured, Ukraine and Georgia are friendly states and strategic partners who mutually support each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, so they will work together to de-occupy their territories and fulfill their aspirations.

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky makes a working visit to Georgia on Monday, July 19, where he will take part in the Batumi International Conference. As part of the visit, it is planned to launch the Associated Trio format of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova at the level of heads of state.

Photo credit: President’s website

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