Breakaway region’s PM rejects Georgian leader’s single-state proposal

Interfax-AVN military news agency web site, Moscow
26 May 04

Sukhumi, 26 May: Abkhaz Prime Minister Raul Khajimba has rejected a
proposal from Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili to unite in a
single Georgian state. The Georgian president made this proposal to
the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and [South] Ossetia.

“There can be no discussion of unification between Abkhazia and
Georgia in a single state,” Khajimba told Interfax on Wednesday [26
May]. “Abkhazia has finally established its status. The republic has
adopted the constitution of an independent state and the status of
Abkhazia cannot and will not be subject to discussion,” the Abkhaz
prime minister said. “As regards the wishes of the Georgian side,
wishes do not always correspond to reality,” Khajimba said.