1. As regards the so-called “presidential elections” held in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on 22 March 2020, the European Union and its Member States recall that they do not recognise the constitutional and legal framework in which they took place. We view the so-called “presidential elections” and their outcome as illegal.

2. The EU and its Member States reiterate their firm support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. We will continue to pursue the policy of non-recognition and engagement vis-à-vis the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia remains fully mobilised in this regard.

3. The EU and its Member States once again urge Russia to fulfil all of its obligations under the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of its forces to their positions prior to the outbreak of hostilities and the provision of free access for humanitarian assistance to the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.  We also call on Russia to provide the EU Monitoring Mission with access to the whole territory of Georgia.