May 16, 2008 - 15:23 AMT
RF MFA: Georgia-sponsored resolution on Abkhazia to hamper conflict settlement
Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized as counterproductive on Friday a move by the UN General Assembly to adopt a Tbilisi-sponsored resolution on the return of refugees to Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia.

The resolution recognizing the right of refugees and internally displaced persons to return to Abkhazia and "underlines the urgent need for a timetable to ensure" their prompt return was adopted 14-11, with 105 abstentions, on Thursday.

"The vote results clearly demonstrate that the international community has actually failed to support Georgia's maneuvers on the problem. Russia voted against the project and gave a statement explaining its position," the Ministry said, describing the resolution as a counterproductive move that could complicate further the conflict between Georgia and Abkhazia, RIA Novosti reports.