Biden condemns Russia's creation of joint military force with Abkhazia
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has condemned Russia’s ratification of a treaty on establishing a joint armed force with Abkhazia, a breakaway region in Georgia, according to a White House statement.
During a phone conversation with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Biden “reiterated U.S. support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
On Wednesday, the Russian State Duma ratified the agreement establishing a joint armed force with the breakaway republic. The self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia is located in northwestern Georgia on the eastern coast of the Black Sea.
In August 2008, Abkhaz forces fought against Georgia during the Russo-Georgian War. In the United Nations, only Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Nauru recognize Abkhazia as an independent state.