MOSCOW. Aug 14 (Interfax-AVN) - Abkhaz leader Vladislav Ardzinba has ruled out that the breakaway republic will be part of Georgia.
"The issue of Abkhazia's statehood and its legal status was settled by its people long ago. The issue is stipulated in the current Constitution and Act of Independence of the Abkhaz Republic that was adopted at a referendum. Therefore, Abkhazia won't join Georgia on any terms," Ardzinba told Vermya-MN newspaper on Wednesday.
Abkhazia's national interests encompass integration with Russia, he said. "An associated state model is the most convenient form of probable relations with Russia. While preserving its independence, Abkhazia is prepared to work out external and defense policies jointly with Russia. We also want to forge a currency and customs union. Such a model will not only ensure Ardzinba's security and free economic development, it will also meet Russia's interests in the national security sphere," he said.