Abkhazia appeals to world orgs for recognition of independence

Moscow, Mar 7 (UNI) The Parliament of Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia today appealed to the Russian Federation Council (the upper house), the State Duma (the lower house), the United Nations and other international organisations to recognise its independence.

The separatist Abkhaz parliament approved the appeals today at its extraordinary session, a day after Russia lifted trade and economic sanctions on the territory.

''In connection with the recognition of Kosovo's independence by many states of the West, the geopolitical situation has changed to a great extent, and favourable preconditions have developed for the recognition of a state independence of the Republic of Abkhazia,'' the parliament said in its statement.

''The parliament and people of Abkhazia highly appreciate the role of Russia as the main guarantor of peace and security in the region,'' it noted.

Georgia's other breakaway region, South Ossetia, appealed to the UN and other international bodies on Wednesday to recognise its independence.

Georgia condemned the move by breakaway regions, accusing Russia of interfering in its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said the situation regarding Abkhazia had completely changed and denied that the move had anything to do with recognition by some states of Kosovo's independence.

Russia has opposed Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence.

UNI XC RJ AS2013