STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

On September 16 Abkhaz armed formations, using the armed vehicles and artillery started active attack in Ochamchire district and in direction of Sukhumi, entering the outskirt of the city. There are casualties and wounded, including civilians.

Such acts represent the gross violation of Sochi Cease-fire Agreement of 27 July of the current year. They may not be excused even with the fact that the Georgian side also failed to honor all the conditions of the Agreement. Both sides shall immediately start implementing the peace plan.

The Government of Russia demands from the Abkhaz Government to stop military operations, observe cease-fire and take its formation to the original place of deployment. Refusal of the said demand will be considered as a challenge, entailing the relevant political and economic consequences.

(Newspaper “Svobodnaya Gruzia” (Free Georgia), # 169, 17 September 1993)