MOSCOW. Jan 24 (Interfax-AVN) - The Abkhaz Foreign Ministry said that at the current stage of relations between Abkhazia and Georgia, the problem of recognizing Abkhazia's independence reflects the interests of both parties.
"Undoubtedly, in the long-term perspective, the recognition of Abkhazia's independence will be more important for regional stability than attempts to unite Abkhazia with Georgia, which, at the current stage of Georgian-Abkhaz relations, would only spark another fierce conflict," says an Abkhaz Foreign Ministry statement circulated on Monday.
The statement was made ahead of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili's visit to Strasbourg, where he is to address a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The Abkhaz Foreign Ministry said that Abkhazia welcomes the strenuous efforts being made by the world community in order to find a compromise to the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. "However, most of the concepts proposed to Abkhazia are unilateral and reflect Georgia's interests alone, excluding Abkhazia's right to self-determination," the statement reads.
"A more flexible dialogue between Abkhazia and Georgia could mark a starting point in building trust and promoting strong and effective relations," the Abkhaz Foreign Ministry said.
It said that although Abkhazia cannot accept the discussion of its status, the republic is always open for compromises in all areas on a mutually advantageous basis.