Tskhinval concerned about NATO-Georgia 2022 exercise scheduled for March

TSKHINVAL. March 11 (Interfax) - The NATO-Georgia 2022 exercise scheduled for March is a source of profound concern for both South Ossetia and Abkhazia, South Ossetian Foreign Minister Dmitry Medoyev said after talks with his Abkhaz colleague.

"We strongly condemn the ongoing militarization of Georgia. That bodes ill," Medoyev said.

He underlined the long-felt need for Georgia's recognition of independence of the states of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and noted that Georgia's demilitarization is an important condition on the path to stability and security of the entire region, against the backdrop of processes unfolding in Ukraine.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia have reaffirmed their commitment to the strengthening and further development of fraternal relations and have again supported Russia's special military operation in Ukraine and recognition of independence of the Donbas republics, Medoyev said.