Yushchenko Says Ukraine Supports Georgia's Territorial Integrity

KYIV -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko says that Ukraine will support Georgia's territorial integrity and not recognize its breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reports.

Speaking to journalists after talks with visiting Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, Yushchenko said Ukraine's relations with Georgia are "extremely important and sensitive."

He added that Ukraine knows very well what it means to maintain national sovereignty and preserve principles of statehood, which start with territorial integrity.

Yushchenko said Ukraine respects the international laws and principles that regulate and resolve conflicts through negotiations.

Saakashvili, who began a three-day working visit to Kyiv on November 18, has long had very close relations with Yushchenko.

Only Russia, Venezuela, and Nicaragua have recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.