SUKHUM -- In connection with the negotiation-process between Russia and Georgia on Russia's accession to the WTO, social and political organisations of the Republic have issued statements expressing concern about possible negative consequences of these arrangements for the national sovereignty of our Abkhazia. Moreover, the said issue rouses concern throughout the whole of Abkhazian society.  The country's leadership understands and respects this. The Abkhaz side has already officially expressed its position in connection with the possible monitoring of freight transported across the Russian-Abkhazian border. The fact is that the Republic of Abkhazia will not allow on its territory any international monitoring organisations. This position will remain unchanged.

Not being a party to the negotiations between Russia and Georgia on Russia's WTO accession, Abkhazia did nevertheless hold consultations with our Russian partners on this issue. We can say that, when agreeing to an international audit on its own territory, the Russian Federation in no way questioned the state-sovereignty of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Act of Recognition of the Independence of the Abkhazian state.

In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia is confident that there will be no restriction or inconvenience placed on the normal functioning of Abkhazia’s cross-border business.

These issues are regularly discussed at the diplomatic level with our Russian colleagues.

This information is provided by the Office of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia.

Source: ApsnyPress