I cannot leave without comment the speech by Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia Lasha Darsalia on behalf of Georgia at the 69th IAEA General Conference. I strongly reject the use of the terms "occupation" and "separatist regions" in relation to Abkhazia. The Republic of Abkhazia views itself as a sovereign state, whose independence was achieved through the free expression of the will of its people following the 1992–1993 war. It was recognized as a sovereign and independent state on August 26, 2008, by the Russian Federation and other Russian allies, who supported its decision and the Abkhazian people's expression of will in the referendum.

Frankly speaking, I must acknowledge with regret Darsalia's fabricated and untrue statements about "serious challenges to nuclear security" in Abkhazia and emphasize that such assertions are unsubstantiated and are part of an information campaign aimed at discrediting Abkhazia and Russia. I would also like to note that Abkhazia strives for security and is extremely interested in the stability of the South Caucasus region, and is ready for international cooperation, but only after its sovereignty is recognized.

I will not hesitate to recall Georgia's role in unleashing the 1992 war, which led to a humanitarian catastrophe, as well as the aggression against South Ossetia in 2008. This confirms that Georgia, not Abkhazia, poses a threat to stability in the region.

Abkhazia is always ready for constructive dialogue with Georgia, but only based on mutual recognition and equality. I emphasize once again that peace in the Caucasus is impossible without direct negotiations between Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Georgia, mediated by Russia.

Peace in the South Caucasus is impossible without taking into account the interests of regional states such as Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and one of the world's leading superpowers – Russia.

The Russian Federation is the guarantor of Abkhazia's security on the basis of interstate treaties, which complies with international law. The Russian military presence in Abkhazia is a response to Georgia's aggressive policies and its rapprochement with NATO.

Georgia is demonstrating a deviation from democratic principles in its foreign policy and in resolving regional conflicts, pursuing a policy of double standards. While Georgia declares its commitment to a peaceful resolution, it refuses to sign a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force and continues to militarize border areas.

Therefore, I declare that Lasha Darsalia's statements are fabricated and unfounded.