The European Union Commission has expressed strong concern about Russia’s reported plans to establish a permanent naval base of its Black Sea Fleet in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia.
In a statement released on Friday stating that the military base presence of Russia in Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is illegal which could violate Georgia’s sovereignty.
And territorial integrity, the principles of international law and international commitments taken by Russia, including the 12 August 2008 agreement and its implementing measures of 8 September 2008.
EU said further that should Russia proceed with the reported plans, it would further increase tensions and threats to stability in the region.
The European Union Commission reiterated its firm support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.
It was reported that Russia moves to set up permanent naval base in breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia to establish this base at the place located on the coast of the Black Sea with an agreement already signed in this regard.
Abkhazia President Aslan Bazania who confirmed this information on Thursday, a day after meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin commented on this in Izvestia.
Though, Abkhazia is considered part of Georgia by the rest of the world. However, Russia considers Abkhazia as an independent country.
“We have signed an agreement and in the near future the Russian Navy will have a permanent base in the Ochamchira district,” said Bazanya, President of the Russian-backed country of Abkhazia.
This is aimed at increasing the level of defense capabilities of Russia and Abkhazia and such interaction will continue.
Meanwhile, Russia has accused Ukraine of using banned cluster bombs in the Russian border town of Rilsk. The city located 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) from the Ukrainian border..One person was injured and several buildings were damaged in the incident on Thursday.