STATEMENT OF THE PARLIAMENT OF GEORGIA

The Sukhumi separatist regime decided to take another provocative step- beginning from March 14, to hold the so called local self-governance elections.

The Parliament of Georgia believes that such kind of arbitrariness on the part of separatist regime becomes possible due to passivity of those states involved in the peace process, purposeful tolerance demonstrated by the Russian Federation toward such actions, certain inactiveness of the world community. All the aforementioned can not but cause serious concern of the Georgian Authorities , which is searching for more effective ways for the solution of the conflict in Abkhazia.

The aforementioned fact proves once more that continuation of the peace process in the existing format is unlikely to successful. The self-styled authorities of Abkhazia explicitly oppose those efforts of Georgia that aim at political settlement of the conflict. It ignores the efforts undertaken by the world community, endeavors of those states that are engaged in the Geneva process, therefore making it clear that all its declarations on being ready for peaceful and fair settlement of the conflict are not sincere.

Holding the so called elections in the region from which two thirds of the population had been driven out, moreover, holding them based on a cascade principles - at different times in different regions- constitutes the continuation of the policy ethnic cleansing and genocide, characteristic for the regime disrespect of the world community and amount to an attempt to create an illusion of freedom and democracy.

Against the background of unwavering good will of the Georgian Authorities and its recent compromises, manifested in Mr.Arszinba's visit to Tbilisi, representative delegations' meetings in Sukhumi and Tbilisi, that kind of impertinence is nothing else but political terror against the Georgian Authorities, against whole Georgia and especially against the IDP population and legitimate authorities of Abkhazia.

Under these circumstances, the Parliament of Georgia calls upon the remained in Abkhazia and deceived population- not to become hostage of another political adventure of the Abkhaz separatist regime and do not undertake steps, which would prolong the life-span of regime established by violent means and contribute to further escalation of the situation with tragic consequences.

Categorically condemning the another provocative actions undertaken by the Sukhumi separatist regime, the Parliament of Georgia reiterates that since the international organizations condemn aggressive separatism, international community acknowledged the fact of ethnic cleansing of Georgian population in Abkhazia, and pursuant to resolution of the Parliament of Georgia adopted on 10 May 1994 and 17 April 1996, the so called constitution, legal acts, agreements and treaties with the entities of foreign countries are declared null and void- therefore, all legal acts relating to any elections held by the separatist are illegitimate.

The Parliament of Georgia believes that the issue of inadmissibility of the continuation of the current situation in Abkhazia should be placed high on Agenda during the forthcoming CIS Summit. There should be principal response to the challenges posed by the separatist regime to Georgia and the international community.

The Parliament of Georgia call upon the UN, OSCE, leaders of the countries friends of the UN Secretary General on Georgia, to carry out all necessary steps within the internationally accepted norms, and warns the separatist regime and its supporters about the illegality of such actions and responsibilities for potential consequences.

March 6, 1998, Tbilisi

(Bulletin of the Parliament of Georgia, Tbilisi, 1997, # # 11-12, 14 March 1998, p. 2)