EU and NATO’s harsh statements on recent presidential elections in Abkhazia are in line with the traditional policy of the West in the region, Caucasus Institute expert said.

“The West has always recognized the territorial integrity of Georgia, and one should not expect any changes”, Sergey Minasyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

Commenting on newly elected president Alexander Ankvab’s pro-Armenian speeches during the election campaign regarding activating railway communication with other countries in the region and promoting relationships with Armenia, Minasyan said: “Ankvab’s pro-Armenian election speeches are tools to gain the Armenian community. It is natural that the candidate should have sounded nice to Armenians but no significant changes should be expected.”

Minasyan also noted that after the 2008 Georgian-Ossetian war the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia will remain stable for a long time.

Earlier, Alexander Ankvab expressed willingness to open railway transit with Armenia.

Ankvab got 54,86% of votes at the August 26 presidential elections that account for the passing away of President Sergey Bagapsh on May 29. Prime Minister Sergey Shamba and Forum of National Unity of Abkhazia opposition party leader Raul Khadjimba also ran for the post.