U.S. Department of State concerned about border crossing closure in Georgia

U.S. officials have said they are concerned about the closure of two controlled crossing points along the boundary of Abkhazia in Georgia.

They said the move further restricts the freedom of local residents.

“Actions such as these not only impose humanitarian hardships on the local population, they also erode the trust and confidence of the people and undermine the Geneva International Discussions, which are the recognized mechanism for discussing security-related issues and humanitarian needs of the conflict-affected population,” Department of State spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement.

Toner said that the the U.S. expected the de facto Abkhaz authorities to reopen the border crossings.

“The United States calls for these crossing points to be re-opened, allowing children to attend school and residents to move freely to engage in commerce, visit relatives, and obtain necessary medical services.”

Abkhazia declared its independence in 1999, but it has not been internationally recognized as its own county.
The U.S. confirmed its support of Georgia’s independence and acknowledged the Russians were occupying the territory of Abkhazia in that country.

“The United States fully supports Georgia’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders,” Toner said.

Abkhazia is located in the northwestern corner of Georgia.