The U.S. “does not recognize the legitimacy or the results of the August 26 so-called elections in the Abkhazia region of Georgia,” Victoria Nuland, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said on August 29.

“We reiterate our support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We urge Russia to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal of forces to pre-conflict positions and free access for humanitarian assistance to the territories,” she said.