SUKHUMI (Sputnik) — The Republic of Abkhazia will not follow in South Ossetia's footsteps with a referendum on joining Russia, as the partially recognized state seeks full independence, Prime Minister Artur Mikvabia told Sputnik.
"Tskhinvali's motives are clear. Ossetians are divided people. Part of them lives in Russia, another part in South Ossetia. Therefore, there is a wish to unite. We are in a completely different situation. We wish to be an independent country while remaining a reliable and faithful ally to the great Russia. We have earned our independence, given thousands of best sons' and daughters' lives," Mikvabia said.
