Estonia's Foreign Minister: Russia wants to annex part of Georgia

The agreement between Russia and Abkhazia shows Russia's desire to annex a part of Georgia.

It was said by Estonian Foreign Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus said, zn.ua reports.

Pentus-Rosimannus said at a meeting with her Swedish counterpart Margot Wallström in Stockholm that the so-called treaty on partnership and integration that had been signed in Sochi on Monday raised concerns, BNS learnt from the press office of the Estonian MFA.

“There is a threat that such activities will lead to the annexation of part of the territory of Georgia by Russia. This step is in violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and is contrary to international law, the commitment that Russia has made before the Council of Europe and to the so-called six-point peace plan,” the Estonian foreign minister said, Postimees writes.

According to the minister, the treaty violated the Geneva negotiations process and thereby the stability of the entire region.

“Russia's current activities in Abkhazia, including the erecting of border installations is illegal. We call on Russia to fulfil all of its 2008 ceasefire commitments, including the removal of its troops to pre-conflict positions. Also, we consider it important that the representatives of the European Union observer mission have access to areas of Abkhazia,” Pentus-Rosimannus said.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin and leader of Georgia's breakaway region Abkhazia Raul Khajimba signed the agreement on “allied relations and strategic partnership”. The agreement, which provides for the formation of joint armed forces, was signed for a period of 10 years.

The EU says the treaty between Abkhazia and Russia conflicts with the position of Brussels on the territorial integrity of Georgia. Tbilisi said in October that if signed, the new agreement would be a “step towards the annexation of Abkhazia”.