NATO rejects Russian-Abkhaz treaty

The treaty concluded on November 24 by Presidents of Russia and Abkhazia Vladimir Putin and Raul Khajimba will not be recognized by the NATO member states, said Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO's Secretary General, who explained that the treaty "is not contributing to the peaceful and lasting settlement of situation in Georgia."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the treaty was signed in Sochi by Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba on November 24.

"We continue urging Russia to cancel its recognition of the regions of Georgia – Abkhazia and South Ossetia – as independent states and withdraw its troops from Georgia," said Stoltenberg, who is quoted today by the "Interfax".

"The NATO fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. Therefore, we do not recognize the so-called treaty," said the Alliance head, whose words are cited by the RIA "Novosti".

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.