21 Nov 2017

Tuvalu and Vanuatu asked to firm Abkhazia ties

2:05 pm on 21 November 2017

Tuvalu and Vanuatu have been asked to join a parliamentary group to lobby on behalf of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.

President of Georgian breakaway republic of  Abkhazia Raul Khajimba and Nauru President Baron Waqa

President of Georgian breakaway republic of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba and Nauru President Baron Waqa Photo: Government of Abkhazia website

The region's president Raul Khajimba made the suggestion when he met a senior delegation from Nauru, which is one of four countries recognising Abkhazia as an independent country.

Mr Khajimba said he would like to form an interparliamentary group with Nauru, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to advance Abkhazia's interests in the South Pacific.

The proposal came despite both Tuvalu and Vanuatu having rescinded their recognition of Abkhazia.

Earlier this month, Mr Khajimba met a delegation from Nauru in Sukhumi, including President Baron Waqa and Nauru's ambassador to the UN, Marlene Moses.

Reports said Abkhazia had Syrian refugees but no proper channel to the UN.

Georgia condemned Mr Waqa's visit to Abkhazia.

The US bans financial assistance to countries which recognise Georgia's break-away regions.

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