EU noted “with concern” that Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, visited Sokhumi and Tskhinvali earlier this week “without prior consent of the Georgian authorities.”

“The EU does not consider these visits compatible with the principle of territorial integrity,” EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton’s spokesperson said in a statement on April 28.

“The EU reiterates its support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and underlines the importance of a peaceful conflict resolution in full respect of the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.”