Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh has welcomed Russia’s withdrawal from the treaty imposing sanctions on breakaway Abkhazia, saying the move would promote economic integration with Russia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on March 6 announcing the country's withdrawal from the 1996 treaty citing “changed circumstances.” The treaty, which bans trade, economic, financial, transport and other links with Abkhazia, was signed by 12 members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In its statement the Russian Foreign Ministry also called on other CIS member states to also abandon sanctions on Abkhazia.

“This is good, pleasant news for us,” Apsnypress news agency quoted Bagapsh as saying on March 6. “The lifting of sanctions will promote Abkhazia’s economic integration with Russia.”

It would also, he said, give new momentum to the region’s economic growth.

“When the blockade is removed, it will be easier to talk to the outside world,” he added.

Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba, meanwhile, said he hoped other CIS members would also abandon sanctions on Abkhazia.

Georgian officials have condemned Russia’s decision as “immoral and dangerous.”