The Organization for Democracy and Economic Development — GUAM expresses its deep concern and condemns the so-called “presidential elections” in Georgia’s occupied region – Abkhazia, held on 24 August 2014. The so-called “elections” represent a serious violation of the Constitution of Georgia and contradict the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. Any elections within the territory of Georgia can he carried out in accordance with the legislation of Georgia and with direct participation of the entire population of the region only.
These “elections” were held under occupation and without participation of the overwhelming majority of local population, predominantly Georgians, who were subjected to ethnic cleansing and forcibly expelled from their homes. It is particularly alarming that the fundamental rights and freedoms of ethnic Georgian population remaining on the territory of Abkhazia, Georgia, first and foremost, their civil, economic and social rights continue to be severely violated.
The Organization for Democracy and Economic Development — GUAM reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders and underlines that it does not recognize the “constitutional and legal” framework within which the so called “presidential elections” have taken place. Therefore, these “elections” should be considered null and void, and their results cannot have any legal consequences.
The Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM therefore calls on international community to condemn such an illegal act and support the peaceful resolution of the conflict, based on the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
