The EU recalls its support for Georgia's territorial integrity

On 27 August, the European Union reiterated its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, following the elections in the country's breakaway region of Abkhazia.

© European Union monitoring mission in Georgia

"The European Union does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which these elections have taken place," said the spokesperson of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, in a statement.

On 26 August, the Council appointed French diplomat Philippe Lefort as the new  European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia. His mandate includes contributing to the peaceful settlement of conflicts; developing contacts with governments, parliaments, other key political actors, the judiciary and civil society; and encouraging the countries in the region to cooperate in areas such as the fight against terrorism, illicit trafficking and organised crime.

More information:
Statement by the EU High Representative's spokesperson on the elections in Abkhazia (pdf) 
Council Decision appointing the EU Special Representative (full text, pdf) 
Statement by the EU High Representative on the appointment of EU Special Representative (pdf)
EU Special Representatives 
EU External Action website on Georgia 
EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia