Azernews.Az

Azerbaijani opposition parties have protested at Russia’s granting recognition to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the rebel Georgian regions.
The Musavat party and the main opposition bloc Azadlig, which comprises the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Civil and Development Party and the National Unity Movement, have issued statements condemning the move.
Musavat said that along with posing a threat to Azerbaijan’s independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the country’s integration into the free world, Russia’s recent military incursion in Georgia has caused a serious problem to economic security. The economic loss incurred by Azerbaijan already runs to billions of dollars.
"Therefore, the Azerbaijani government should take urgent steps to protect national economic security. The authorities should learn a lesson from the latest developments and relinquish the unilateral course of economic development," the party said.
Azadlig’s statement said Moscow’s recognition on Tuesday of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s independence is likely to spark a wave of separatism within Russia itself. The move will escalate tension in Russia’s relations with the democratic world, it said.
Azadlig said Azerbaijan must unequivocally support the territorial integrity of Georgia, a friendly neighboring state, and called on Baku to continue its efforts in this area.*