Go to the media bankPresident of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. File photoSUKHUM, Sep 30Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his congratulations on the Victory and Independence Day of Abkhazia, expressed confidence in further building up constructive ties in the interests of strengthening regional stability and security, the press service of the Abkhaz leader reports. On September 30, Abkhazia celebrates the 29th anniversary of the victory in the Georgian-Abkhaz war 1993. Putin sent congratulations to his Abkhaz colleague Aslan Bzhaniya and the people of the republic, the press service said. «Dear Aslan Georgievich, please accept my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Abkhazia — Victory and Independence Day. Russian-Abkhaz relations are developing on the basis of the principles of alliance and strategic partnership. I am sure that by joint efforts we will be able to further build up the entire range of constructive bilateral ties for the benefit of our fraternal peoples, in the interests of strengthening regional stability and security,» the congratulation reads. Putin wished Bzhaniya good health and success, and all the citizens of Abkhazia — peace and well-being. On August 14, 1992, armed units of the Georgian guard entered the territory of Abkhazia under the pretext of protecting passing trains. In the Ochamchira and Gulrypsh regions of Abkhazia, they were fired upon by local militias. The war ended on September 30, 1993 with the expulsion of the troops of the State Council of Georgia from the territory of Abkhazia. According to the Abkhaz Ministry of Defense, more than two thousand people from the Abkhaz side died in the war. About two hundred were missing. Attempts to politically resolve the conflict did not bring results. Georgia still does not recognize Abkhazia as an independent state and considers it its own region. On August 26, 2008, after Georgia's armed aggression against Tskhinval, Moscow recognized the sovereignty of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The leaders of Russia have repeatedly stated that the recognition of the independence of the two former Georgian autonomies reflects the existing realities and is not subject to revision. However, Tbilisi refuses to recognize the independence of the republics.
Abkhazia said they were not concerned about Georgia's reaction to Lukashenka's visit
