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Abkhazian president reaffirms readiness to boost integration with Russia

The idea of a union state is dear to the Abkhazian people as it is in line with the republic’s national interests, Aslan Bzhania noted

SUKHUM, August 25. /TASS/. Abkhazia is interested in a strong alliance and further integration with Russia, the republic’s President Aslan Bzhania said on Thursday.

"If the idea of a union state emerges [involving Russia, Belarus and other countries willing to join], we would be happy to support it," he told the Soloviev Live TV channel.

The idea of a union state is dear to the Abkhazian people as it is in line with the republic’s national interests, Bzhania noted.

"We understand perfectly well that <...> we need a strong alliance with Russia," the Abkhazian president went on to say. "After Russia successfully completes its special military operation in Ukraine, which I am sure will be the case, everyone will see a completely different reality. I think that it will become clear for all - I mean the Russian leadership and people - who is a true ally and who has really been standing side by side with the Russian people and leaders all this time," he added.

Moscow recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on August 26, 2008, after Georgia had mounted an overnight armed attack against South Ossetia on August 8. Moscow intervened to protect civilians, many of whom had obtained Russian citizenship, and Russian peacekeepers stationed in the region since 1992. In a five-day armed clash, more than one thousand people, including 72 Russian peacekeepers, lost their lives.

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