The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi expressed on June 23 its “deep regrets” over the recent statement made by Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh, who said on June 21 that Sokhumi will withdraw from the negotiation process with Tbilisi if the Georgian authorities will continue to demand withdrawal of the Russian peacekeeping troops from Abkhazia.

“The United States Embassy deeply regrets the statement by Abkhaz de facto leader Sergey Bagapsh threatening Abkhazia's withdrawal from the negotiating process and the planting of mines along the Georgian-Abkhaz administrative boundary. The United States calls on the Abkhaz authorities to maintain their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict by continuing their participation in the on-going negotiations. The United States strongly urges the de facto Abkhaz leadership to avoid actions and rhetoric that escalate tensions or would increase militarization of the dispute,” the U.S. Embassy’s statement reads.

The United States also called on the Georgian government to continue efforts to forge a peaceful settlement of the Abkhaz conflict that “affords Abkhazia significant autonomy within a unified Georgia.”

Moreover, the United States called on both sides to advance confidence building measures that have been proposed by the UN Secretary General’s Group of Friends.