State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili comments on the presidential election in Abkhazia and its results.

According to the State Minister, this elections and its results do not have any legitimacy.

“Neither the first and nor the second round, as a process, can have any legitimacy and, together with other legal aspects, cannot express the will of the people, while most of the population is in exile. What is important to us is that now and in the next two weeks, when the so-called the second round is scheduled to take place peacefully, without tension, as the fate of the Abkhazian society is important for us.

“We have repeatedly stated and today I would like to emphasize once again that we are fully prepared to expand dialogue at all levels of Abkhazian society. There are relevant forms and today, after 11 years since the so-called independence, and I think the need is even greater. We can clearly see that this date has become a point not only of independence but of dependence on Russia. In the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, the degree of dependence, isolation and population problems is increasing year by year under occupation - starting with the security, humanitarian, social, economic problems, low quality of education, and ending with the lack of future prospects.  

“Therefore, today, when we have tangible results in terms of engagement, reconciliation, because contacts are so high and interest is even higher, without direct obstacles, it is clear to us that we need to further expand the channels of cooperation, common interests and dialogue on peace. I mean specific initiatives that include trade, education, health care, etc. is also about how we can build better prospects for the future”, - said the State Minister.