APPEAL OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION to the authorities of Georgia and Abkhazia

The citizens of Russia witness the developments in Abkhazia with the true pain. People are being killed, material valuables are destroyed. The heavy military equipment is used against peaceful civilians. The tensed situation has been established in the republics of the North Caucasus too, where the separatist forces, extremists of different type try to take advantage of the moment for their selfish ends. The situation becomes graver due to the refugees poured into the southern regions of Russia. The large multinational region is under the threat of destabilization.

The situation calls for immediate termination of armed actions, usage of military forces from the both sides. Only such steps may open the path to the dialogue.

We keep firm position regarding the unity and territorial integrity of Georgia. Russia does not support any appeals of separatist or militant character, no matter from who they come from. On our turn we will take all necessary measures to put an end to the attempt of penetrating the groups of armed volunteers into the territory of Georgia. At the same time we believe in necessity of prompt withdrawal of the troops and stopping the combat actions, also securing the human rights and legitimate interests of the Abkhaz and other nations of Georgia.

I call upon you to show the state-oriented approach and the sense of responsibility towards the fate of your peoples. I strongly believe that there is no problem which may not be solved at a negotiation table. Your peace-building efforts will be supported by Russia, by the whole civilized community.

B. N. Yeltsin

Moscow, 26 August 1992

(Conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Documents 1989-2006 (Supplement to “Kavkazskie Sborniki”, edition #1). Collected and commented by M. A. Volkhonski, B. A. Zakharov, N. Y. Silaev. – Moscow, 2008, p. 46/in Russian)