10:46, 1 December 2003

Abkhazia intends to maintain self-proclaimed independence

Abkhazian Prime Minster Raul Khadzhimba has stated that the republic intends to maintain its self-proclaimed independence.

"Abkhazia is an independent republic, unlike Adjaria, and will never be part of Georgia," he told a press conference in Moscow.

Khadzhimba noted the leaders of South Osetia, a delegation of which was also in Moscow, had the same stand.

The Abkhazian premier said he noted during the consultations in Moscow that Abkhazia wanted to maintain its status existing for ten years already and remain in the negotiating process.

Abkhazia has enough strength to maintain its independence, Khadzhimba stressed. The republic's military and police forces are kept in high combat readiness in connection with the developments in Tbilisi, he said.

The premier also noted that there were no three-party meetings and consultations with the Adjarian and South Osetian leaders in Moscow.

Source: ITAR-TASS News Agency