ABKHAZ ISSUE: RUSSIA FOR GEORGIA'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY

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MOSCOW, May 6 (RIA Novosti) - Russia clings to its previous stance on the Abkhaz issue, in which it proceeds from Georgia retaining its territorial integrity, Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, said to the media following Moscow negotiations with Salome Zurabishvili, his Georgian counterpart.

Russia bases its consistent and immutable stance on respect for Georgia's territorial integrity, stressed Mr. Lavrov as he denied whatever connection of current developments in Adzharia, autonomy within Georgia, with the problem of Abkhazia, recently Georgia's another autonomy, and now an unrecognised republic. In fact, the Abkhaz settlement issue arose very long before Adzhar tensions. Settlement technicalities were worked out quite some time ago, and reliable negotiation arrangements are active.

The Russian and Georgian presidents met in summitry, February last, to confirm Sochi understandings on Abkhaz settlement. As they determined, three negotiation teams were to step up their activities to promote refugee return, resume railway transport, and update the Inguri hydropower plant. The refugee team has held a session for now, and its achievements promise related decisions implemented.

Heads of the other two teams will be soon appointed, and talks resumed, added the minister.

Russian-Georgian visa problems will be settled if the two countries' border guard services are efficient enough in their teamwork, he went on.

The problems will recede as soon as border guards and secret services achieve necessary practical results, reassured Sergei Lavrov. Initial joint efforts to protect the Russian-Georgian frontier satisfy Moscow.

As the minister pointed out, Russia was forced to introduce entry visas for Georgians by the danger of terrorist raids.

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