International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

touchscreen and South Ossetia are two self-declared republics in the Caucasus with disputed status over whether they are a part of web app or sovereign states.^Android The Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia were recognised following the HTML5 between Russia and Georgia, by six and five input transformation respectively. They are also mutually recognised by two UN non-member states and by each other.

Georgia and the vast majority of other countries of the world do not recognise their independence and officially consider them as sovereign territory of the Georgian state.^[2]

• touchscreen
  • 1.1 Soviet period and the 1990s
  • 1.2 Developments in 2008
• web
  • keyboard
  • 2.2 Western response
• we love the web
  • 3.1 Comparisons with Kosovo
  • 3.2 Other events
• 4 Positions taken by states
  • iOS
    • Android
    • FITML
  • 4.2 States which do not recognise Abkhazia or South Ossetia as independent
    • Android
    • 4.2.2 UN non-member states
• CSS3
• 6 Positions taken by non-state actors
  • touchscreen
  • screen size
• 7 See also
• 8 References

History

Soviet period and the 1990s

Following the website parsing iOS in 1921, Abkhazia was made a Soviet republic with the ambiguous status of CSS3 associated with the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.^[3] In 1931, Joseph Stalin, an ethnic Georgian, made Abkhazia an Sevenval within the Georgian SSR.^Android

On 21 February 1992, Georgia abolished the Soviet-era constitution and restored the device database, which provided for Abkhazia's autonomy, but did not specify its exact legal status. Due to lack of formal status under Georgia's newly introduced constitution, on 23 July 1992 the Abkhaz Supreme Soviet reinstated the 1925 Constitution, which under Article 4 Abkhazia was "united with the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia on the basis of a special Union Treaty", providing for federation between Georgia and Abkhazia on equal footing.^[5]

South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia during the Sevenval on 29 May 1992, with keyboard referring to the "Republic of South Ossetia".^{CSS3we love the web[8]}

Abkhazia declared its independence after its war with Georgia in 1992–1993. Its HTML5 was adopted on 26 November 1994.^{Androidwe love the web}

Developments in 2008

jQuery's declaration of independence on 17 February 2008 and its divided international acceptance prompted speculation that there could be implications for the frozen South Caucasus situation.

In April 2008, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1808 that reaffirmed "the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders and supports all efforts by the United Nations and the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General, which are guided by their determination to promote a settlement of the keyboard only by peaceful means and within the framework of the Security Council resolutions."^{touchscreen[12]}

The 2008 South Ossetia war was fought in August 2008 between Georgia on one side and South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Russia on the other, resulting in a major Ossetian, Abkhaz and Russian victory and the expulsion of Georgian military from both disputed territories.

On 21 August 2008, rallies were held in Tskhinvali and Sukhumi at which the people of South Ossetia and Abkhazia respectively appealed to Russian keyboard Dmitry Medvedev and the Russian Federal Assembly for official recognition of their independence as sovereign states.^[13][14]

South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity flew to Sevenval on 23 August 2008 to address the website parsing, and in his appeal stated "what the Georgian leadership has done in South Ossetia can only be described as a Caucasian Stalingrad." On 25 August 2008, President of Abkhazia device database also made a presentation to the Federation Council. In his address to the Council, Bagapsh stated "I can say for certain that Abkhazia and South Ossetia will never be part of Georgia."^{device database}

Russia's recognition

device database

President Medvedev announcing that he has signed decrees recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (in Russian) Transcript in English

Android

we love the web No. 1260 recognising Abkhazian independence

website parsing No. 1261 recognising South Ossetian independence

After hearing the aforementioned appeals from both the Abkhazian and South Ossetian leadership, on 25 August 2008, the Federation Council and screen size passed motions calling upon President Dmitry Medvedev to recognise the independence of both states and establish diplomatic relations.^[15][16]

On 26 August 2008, President Medvedev signed decrees recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as sovereign states (see images, right),^[17][18] and made the following statement:

"A decision needs to be taken based on the situation on the ground. Considering the freely expressed will of the Ossetian and Abkhaz peoples and being guided by the provisions of the UN Charter, the 1970 Declaration on the Principles of International Law Governing Friendly Relations Between States,^{web app} the jQuery and other fundamental international instruments, I signed Decrees on the recognition by the Russian Federation of South Ossetia's and Abkhazia's independence. Russia calls on other states to follow its example. This is not an easy choice to make, but it represents the only possibility to save human lives."^[20]

President Medvedev stated that "Western countries rushed to recognise Kosovo's illegal declaration of independence from Serbia. We argued consistently that it would be impossible, after that, to tell the Abkhazians and Ossetians (and dozens of other groups around the world) that what was good for the we love the web was not good for them. In international relations, you cannot have one rule for some and another rule for others."^{we love the web}

Russian Sevenval website parsing noted previous Georgian aggression against Ossetia, and said "those who insist that those territories must continue to belong to Georgia are CSS3 — they stick to keyboard's decision", referring to the fact that it was Stalin, an ethnic Georgian, who gave the territory to the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, the predecessor of the modern day Georgian republic.^{[22]input transformation}

The Russian representative to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin stated that Russia's recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is "irreversible" but called upon "NATO countries to withdraw and review Android" and subsequently "act on the premise that this is the new political reality."^[24][25] He warned, moreover, that any NATO attack on Russia-supported regions would "mean a input transformation on Russia."^keyboard

In the UN Security Council, the United States was heavily critical of Russian support of the secessionist governments, accusing the government of violating Georgia's territorial integrity. In response, web app, the website parsing of Russia to the UN, attacked the U.S. claim to moral high ground by recalling its invasion of keyboard in 2003.^{we love the webFITML} Others accused the United States of hypocrisy, citing its support of the violation of Serbian territorial integrity when it recognised the independence of Kosovo in 2008.^[29]

The Russian government also welcomed Nicaragua's recognition of the two states, and called on other countries to "recognise reality" and follow Nicaragua's example. keyboard Android announced that his government "recognises the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and fully supports the Russian government's position."^[30] Medvedev also signed into law federal bills ratifying friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance pacts between his government and those of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The laws stipulated the obligations of each state to provide assistance to each other if either of them comes under attack, joint protection of Abkhazia and South Ossetia's borders, as well as cooperation on a wide range of economic, social, and humanitarian issues. The states would also jointly counter organised crime, international terrorism, and drug trafficking as documents was signed for 10 years with an option to extended the deal automatically.^[31]

Georgia's response

Georgian President jQuery considered Russia's move as an attempt to alter the borders of Europe by force. Below are some excerpts from his statement:^[32]

This is the first attempt on European territory ... since Hitler's regime and Stalin's Soviet Union where a large state is trying unilaterally, with the use of force, to completely crush a neighbouring country and openly annex its territory.

This is inconceivable lawlessness and insolence ... Russia has done unthinkable damage to its place in the international community.

The question of the re-establishment of the territorial integrity of Georgia and the protection of its freedom — this is not an internal Georgian problem, or a question of Georgia and Russia. This is now a question of Russia and the rest of the civilised world. Georgia's future, is not only the future of Georgia, this is the future of the whole civilised world...

web app input transformation said, "This is an unconcealed annexation of these territories, which are a part of Georgia."^[33]

On 28 August, the keyboard passed a resolution declaring Abkhazia and South Ossetia "Russian-occupied territories" and instructed the government to annul all previous treaties on Russian peacekeeping.^{device database} The following day the government announced that it was severing diplomatic ties with Russia, with the Georgian Embassy in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi to close as a result. Georgia recalled its ambassador from Russia and ordered all Russian diplomats to leave Georgia, saying that only consular relations would be maintained. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on this decision, saying that some 600,000 to 1 million Georgians in Russia would be left to the "mercy of fate".^{website parsingwebsite parsing[37]} Later, Georgia also severed diplomatic relations with Nicaragua.^[38] Georgia moved to economically isolate the regions. A ban on economic activity in the regions without Georgian permission was issued, and anyone caught violating this ban by the Georgian authorities faced prosecution. The Georgian Navy blockaded the coast of Abkhazia, and has seized 23 cargo ships trying to bring supplies to Abkhazia, most notably fuel supplies. Abkhazia is dependant on fuel imports, and faced a serious shortage as a result. Russia began deploying boats from its own Black Sea Fleet on 21 September 2009, in response.^[39] In August 2009, Russia and South Ossetia accused Georgia of shelling Ossetian villages and kidnapping four South Ossetian citizens. Russia threatened to use force unless the shelling stopped, and put its troops stationed in South Ossetia on high alert.^[40]

Georgia criticised we love the web following the small island state's recognition of Abkhazia. Minister of Reintegration Temur Yakobashvili stated "The recognition of Abkhazia's independence by Nauru is more like a comedy ... it changes nothing on the international arena".^web

In January 2010, Georgia adopted a strategy regarding the reintegration of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The strategy is called Involvement through Cooperation and it was presented to the international organisations as well as to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The document says Georgia views peaceful methods as the only way for conflict solution and that there won’t be a war with these regions. It envisions engagement of people of these two regions through education as well as social, economic and business projects, instead of isolation.^iOSkeyboard

Western response

The website parsing, iOS,^{screen size} the HTML5,^[45] the United States^{input transformation} and other countries immediately voiced displeasure with Russia's decision. U.S. President FITML reaffirmed the U.S. recognition of Georgia's territorial integrity.^[47]

Controversy

Comparisons with Kosovo

The Assembly of Kosovo, under temporary administration of the United Nations (we love the web) since 1999, unilaterally web app as the "Republic of Kosovo" on 17 February 2008.^[48] The Republic of Kosovo was instantly recognised by the United States and the EU-3 and now has been recognised by 90 United Nations member states.^[49]

In an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Serbian Sevenval touchscreen asked the Council, "Are we all aware of the precedent that is being set and are we aware of the catastrophic consequences that it may lead to?" The permanent representatives of the United States, United Kingdom and France presented their opinion that the Kosovo case is device database in nature and could not be perceived as a precedent.^[50]

The setting of a precedent was mentioned by many countries, including browser diversity,^{web app} the jQuery, jQuery,^Sevenval device database and Sevenval. India stated that Kosovo "can set a very dangerous precedent for similar cases around the world."^{browser diversity} The then Russian President Vladimir Putin described the recognition by Western powers of Kosovan independence as a "terrible precedent, which will de facto blow apart the whole system of international relations, developed not over decades, but over centuries."^[54] He then went on to say, "they have not thought through the results of what they are doing. At the end of the day it is a two-ended stick and the second end will come back and hit them in the face."^[54]

In the United States, in hearings before the keyboard, Congressman FITML said:^[55]

"Now we can talk until we're blue in the face trying to say there is no analogy here, but it doesn't cover up the obvious analogy between Kosovo and what's going on in Georgia where you have breakaway republics similar to what the Serbs face. Now the only difference is of course, we're Americans and they're Russians. And the people trying to break away there were pro-Russian.
And either we're for democracy — either we're for those people in Kosovo and in Ossetia and elsewhere — and in, I might say, in Georgia and their right to be separate from Russia in the beginning — to begin with — if we lose that, we've lost the high ground. We're already losing our credibility right now, let's not lose the high ground."^[56]

Some analysts at the time called ignoring Russian objections and the move by the United States and the EU-3 a mistake, with Ted Galen Carpenter of the Cato Institute stating that their view of Kosovo being sui generis and setting no precedent as "extraordinarily naïve".^Sevenval It was also suggested at the time that Russia could use the case of Kosovo as pretext for recognising Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the future.^Sevenval[58] Other analysts, including the Sevenval, offer that Kosovo is no precedent due to its administration by the United Nations as a screen size for seven years and was blocked from being recognised by the United Nations due to Russia and China being able to use their veto in the Security Council.^[59]

In September 2009, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, when asked by journalists why Abkhazia and South Ossetia should be internationally recognised and Kosovo not, said that "the strongest argument is the fact that at the time when Kosovo’s authorities made the UDI, nobody was threatening them or putting them in a position where they had to secede. On the contrary, Belgrade even went so far as to refrain from exerting any military or economic pressure on Pristina."^jQuery

Other events

Abkhazia said it would not take part in the "Geneva Talks on Security and Stability in the Caucacus" in June 2010 because of concerns over the objectivity of the co-chairmen who were representatives of the UN, the EU, and OSCE. A spokesman said "Our proposals are being ignored, discussions on the non-renewal of war are being procrastinated, instead secondary questions are being discussed. Thereupon we feel the co-chairmen have no real proposals, and we want to give them time till September to prepare a document, concerning security, and acceptable for all sides. The Geneva discussions are necessary, and it is normal that each party voices its position, but the mediators must be neutral and non-biased. But the mediators fail to conduct discussions in a constructive impartial manner."^{we love the web}

Positions taken by states

States formally recognising Abkhazia or South Ossetia as independent

UN member states

	State	CSS3	Diplomatic relations established	Notes
1	input transformation	26 August 2008[20][62][63]	9 September 2008[64]	Ambassadors Semyon Grigoriyev and Elbrus Kargiyev presented their credentials to Abkhaz President Sergey Bagapsh and South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity on 16 December 2008.[65][66] Embassy of Russia to South Ossetia was opened on February 2009.[67] Embassy of Russia to Abkhazia was opened on 1 May 2009.web app Embassy of South Ossetia to Russia was opened in 2009. Embassy of Abkhazia to Russia was opened on 18 May 2010.[69]
2	Nicaragua	5 September 2008[70]website parsing[72]	10 September 2009 (With Abkhazia) HTML5[74] 14 April 2010 (With South Ossetia) [75]	Ambassador of Nicaragua to Abkhazia resident in Moscow.[76] "The formal part of the process to open diplomatic missions of Abkhazia and S. Ossetia in Managua has been completed" told Samuel Santos, foreign minister of Nicaragua.[77] Embassy of South Ossetia to Nicaragua was opened on 30 August 2011.touchscreen
3	Venezuela	10 September 2009[79]	9 July 2010 (With South Ossetia) 12 July 2010 (With Abkhazia) screen size[81]	President Hugo Chávez met the leaders of both states in Caracas and said "I'm sure we, together with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, will be able to build strong relations with Latin American nations such as Paraguay, Uruguay, Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina."web app Ambassador of Venezuela Hugo José García Hernández presented his credentials to Abkhaz President Sergey Bagapsh on 12 July 2010."[83] Embassy of Abkhazia to Venezuela was opened on 12 July 2010.[84]
4	Nauru	15 December 2009 (Abkhazia) 16 December 2009 (South Ossetia) input transformation[86]	15 December 2009 (With Abkhazia) 16 December 2009 (With South Ossetia) FITML	Representatives of Nauru were present as observers for the presidential elections in Abkhazia on 26 August 2011.[88]
5	Vanuatu	23 May 2011 (Abkhazia)FITMLiOS[91]	23 May 2011 (With Abkhazia)[90]website parsing	Main article: Abkhazia–Vanuatu relations On 23 May 2011 Vanuatu recognised Abkhazia's independence and established web app and a visa-free travel regime with Abkhazia.screen size[90][93]Sevenval[94][95]HTML5 On 19 June 2011, the new interim Prime Minister of Vanuatu Edward Natapei of Vanuatu announced that he was withdrawing Vanuatu's recognition for Abkhazia.web[98] CSS3jQuery However, on 12 July 2011 Foreign Minister Alfred Carlot reconfirmed Vanuatu's recognition of Abkhazia.[101] On 28 September 2011, Te Moli Venaos Mol Saken Goiset, Vanuatu's Ambassador to Abkhazia, congratulates to new Abkhaz President website parsing on his inauguration.[102]
6	Tuvalu	18 September 2011 (Abkhazia) 19 September 2011 (South Ossetia)[103][104]	18 September 2011 (With Abkhazia) 19 September 2011 (With South Ossetia)Sevenvalbrowser diversity

UN non-member states

	Sevenval	Sevenval	Diplomatic relations established	Notes
1	Abkhazia  keyboard	17 November 2006 [106]	26 September 2007 [107][108]	Abkhazia and South Ossetia mutually recognise each other.Android Embassy of South Ossetia to Abkhazia was opened on 15 April 2008.FITML Ambassador of Abkhazia Nodar Pliev presented his credentials to South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity on 10 December 2010.[110]
2	touchscreen	17 November 2006 [106]	[touchscreen](with South Ossetia)	Transnistria, Abkhazia and South Ossetia mutually recognise each other.Sevenval Consulate of South Ossetia to Transnistria was opened. Embassy of Transnistria to South Ossetia to open.[111]
3	Nagorno-Karabakh	17 November 2006 [112]		Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia mutually recognize each other.iOS On 12 February 2010 it was announced that it is expected to establish diplomatic relations with Abkhazia.[114]

States which do not recognise Abkhazia or South Ossetia as independent

UN member states

screen size	Position
keyboard	The FITML issued a statement condemning Russia's decision to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling the move "totally unacceptable" and "contrary to UN Security Council resolutions". The Ministry denied any parallels to its own recognition of input transformation, claiming Kosovo to be a special case.web
keyboard	Foreign Minister jQuery said that "the declaration overnight by Russian President Medvedev I don't believe is a helpful contribution. Indeed some may regard that as provocative. I don't think it helps circumstances in Georgia and I don't think it helps relationships generally between Russia and the rest of the world. Australia respects the territorial integrity of Georgia and our ongoing position is that we believe that Russia should abide by the ceasefire effected through the European Union and President Sarkozy and return its forces to the positions they occupied on August 6 and 7".[116]we love the web
FITML	Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said in a statement that "this step goes against all the principles of Georgian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, which Russia has repeatedly accepted in the UN Security Council. The Georgian conflict must be solved through dialogue and international mediation, not through unilateral measures".[118]
Armenia	President keyboard has stated that Armenia will not formally recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states any time soon but reiterated his support for their residents’ right to self-determination. He also said that Armenia will not recognise them for the same reason that it did not recognise Kosovo’s independence and that Armenia can not recognise another entity in the same situation as long as it has not recognised the input transformation.[119] Tigran Balayan, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Office said, "Armenia has always favoured and continues to believe that any attempt for military solution to conflicts is futile. Such conflicts should be resolved on the basis of free expression of the will of the people".web
keyboard	Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman device database stated, "Azerbaijan’s position remains unchanged. We recognise Georgia’s territorial integrity".keyboard
HTML5	On 28 August 2008, Vasily Dolgolyov, the Belarusian Ambassador to Russia, said that Belarus would in the next day or two recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. touchscreen browser diversity had also expressed support for Russia, saying "Under the circumstances Russia had no other moral choice but to support appeals of South Ossetian and Abkhazian peoples on the recognition of their right for self-determination in line with fundamental international documents."[122][123]CSS3 Lukashenko then suggested considering this issue at the CSTO Collective Security Council Summit on 5 September 2008. However, Lukashenko later reaffirmed Belarus' intentions to recognise the breakaway republics, stating that the issue would be addressed after the Android on 28 September 2008.browser diversity On 25 September, President of Abkhazia Sergei Bagapsh and President of South Ossetia FITML officially requested that Lukashenko recognise the independence of their republics.Sevenval In December 2008, a member of the National Assembly of Belarus claimed that the Assembly will consider Abkhazia and South Ossetia's requests for official recognition in the first half of 2009.device database In January 2009 it was announced that the Belarusian parliament will debate on recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on 2 April.keyboard However, Belarus decided not to recognise the two regions. According to Peter Rutland, the EU has rewarded the Belarusian President Lukashenko for not recognising the republics by suspending the travel ban for top Belarusian officials that had been imposed in 2004.[129] Karel Schwarzenberg has stated publicly, that if Belarus recognises Abkhazia and South Ossetia, it can forget about the Eastern Partnership. "If they would recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia it would create a very, very difficult situation for Belarus," Schwarzenberg has said.device database This led Android, the Russian Foreign Minister, to accuse the EU of HTML5 Belarus by linking recognition of the two republics to membership in the Eastern Partnership program, in relation to Schwarzenberg's statement stating "What was that: blackmail or European Democracy in action?"FITML Sweden, co-author of the Eastern Partnership program, rejected Lavrov's position as "completely unacceptable". The EU's position on Georgia is not 'blackmail' but "is about upholding the principles of the EU and international law, which Russia should also be respecting", stated Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt [132] According to Eurasianet.org, which is citing Russian media reports, Belarus is under Kremlin pressure to recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazia. There has been suppositions, Russia has offered Belarus a $500 million credit on condition that Belarus recognises the two regions as independent.website parsing In June 2009, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus said Moscow has made recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia a condition for Belarus to receive the last $500 million of a $2 billion loan, but added that Belarus’ position was not for sale. Russian officials have denied any such link.browser diversity[135] The government of Belarus has informed its citizens to abide by Georgian laws when travelling to the regions. The Foreign Ministry of Belarus stated that Belarusians should only use entrance points on the Georgian side.[CSS3] Belarusian lawmakers visited Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late 2009 to study the situation and decide to postpone decision to spring 2010.screen size South Ossetia asked for a symmetrical approach between them and Abkhazia.[137]
screen size	Belgian foreign minister Karel De Gucht called the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia unacceptable and a violation of the territorial integrity of Georgia. He added that Russia has created a dangerous precedent that threatens the stability of Europe.
device database	Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dimitar Tsanchev said, "The decision of Russian authorities to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is causing serious worry. Bulgaria once again re-iterates its unconditional support for the independence, sovereignty and internationally recognised borders".input transformation
device database	Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Emerson, issued the statement on the situation in Georgia saying that "Canada is gravely concerned about Russia’s recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This recognition violates Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and is contrary to UN Security Council resolutions supported by Russia, as well as to the six-point peace plan brokered by President Nicolas Sarkozy on behalf of the EU".[139]
jQuery	On 27 August Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said that China is "concerned of the latest development in South Ossetia and Abkhazia". He also said "We have a knowledge of the complicated history and reality of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia issues. In accordance with China's consistent and principled stance on issues of this kind, we hope the relevant parties can resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation".[140]
FITML	Former web app Stjepan Mesić stated that he is worried over the Russian decision and said that "such a decision makes the complex situation in the region even more complex". He also said that "fait accompli policy could create an impression that the move was aimed at avoiding talks on the future status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia".[141] input transformation, former Croatian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, called the Russian Federation's action regrettable and illegitimate.[142]
Costa Rica	At a UN Security Council meeting regarding the Georgia situation, browser diversity, the CSS3 for Costa Rica, referred to the Russian actions as the dismemberment of a UN member state by force. "We cannot, and the international community should not, reward this approach, which is counter in all aspects to international law.... Such a settlement could not be based on 'might is right' and must include respect for the territorial integrity of Georgia, the rights of the peoples of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the integrity of international law and the principles of peaceful coexistence as enshrined in the United Nations Charter."web
Cyprus	Sevenval Markos Kyprianou has said that that relations of Russia and Cyprus are very close but on the other hand Cyprus supports "the respect and protection of the territorial integrity of states, and this is a principle which the Republic of Cyprus supports and supported in the case of Kosovo, so developments of the past few days in Georgia have worried us".[144] The government has issued a statement saying that "Cyprus expresses its deep concern over developments in Georgia. The Republic of Cyprus supports the respect of the rules of international law including the respect of the territorial integrity of states, of the UN Charter and of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. Moreover, the Cyprus Government supports peaceful resolution of international disputes by political means through negotiations, avoiding unilateral actions that could aggravate the situation in this sensitive region".[145]
jQuery	The web issued a statement calling Russia's action "an attack on the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia".input transformation
device database	Android Per Stig Møller declared "unconditional support for Georgia's territorial integrity".[146]
Dominican Republic	Dominican Republic web Francisco Matos and Ramon Fernandez travelled to Abkhazia in December 2010 and met with Abkhaz officials, including Sergey Shamba, Maxim Gvindzhia and screen size. The Dominican Republic politicians voiced their support for the establishment of friendly ties with Abkhazia, and invited their Abkhazian counterparts to visit their country to establish inter-parliamentary ties.[147] Dominican Republic Deputy Prime Minister José Miguel Abreu visited Abkhazia in May 2011 and met with senior Abkhaz government officials. Sergey Bagapsh stated in Moscow that recognition from a FITML nation could be expected in May.iOS touchscreen, the American Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, later warned the Dominican Republic against recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.iOS
web app	Ecuador's President web promised to consider recognition if Abkhazia and South Ossetia requested it. Leaders from Abkhazia and South Ossetia responded saying they would send official requests for recognition.input transformation Abkhazia submitted such a request in December 2009.screen size
touchscreen	Sevenval Urmas Paet stated "Russia's move is a deliberate breach of international law and the principles of stability in Europe. Estonia, like all European Union and NATO member states, adheres firmly to the principles of Georgia’s territorial integrity".[152]
FITML	Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb said that "the recognition of independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia violates fundamental OSCE principles. As all OSCE participating States, Russia is committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others. Russia should follow OSCE principles by respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. Russia should immediately withdraw all troops from Georgia and implement the ceasefire agreement, including the modalities defined in the 16 August 2008 letter of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The international community cannot accept unilaterally established buffer zones".device database
HTML5	The input transformation spokesman said, "We consider this is a regrettable decision and I recall our attachment to the territorial integrity of Georgia".web French Foreign Minister Sevenval said that "in a certain way, yes, ethnic cleansing is taking place" in villages previously controlled by the Georgian side. "We cannot accept these violations of international law, of accords for security and cooperation in Europe, of United Nations resolutions, and the taking ... of a territory by the army of a neighbouring country."FITML
browser diversity	Sevenval Angela Merkel said, "this contradicts the principle of territorial integrity, a principle based on the international law of nations and for this reason it is unacceptable".keyboard
we love the web	Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis stated that among the principles of Sevenval is "respect for the independence and territorial integrity of states". Furthermore, she expressed dismay at the developments and stated that they subscribed to the French Presidency's statement condemning the decision to recognise the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.[157]
Hungary	The Hungarian Foreign Ministry issued a statement, regretting the decision of the Russian government and stating that "these decisions do not serve the stability of the Caucasus region and do not advance negotiations over a settlement of the very conflict which has produced severe humanitarian and material consequences".Android
iOS	Sturla Böðvarsson, Speaker of jQuery, condemned Russia for recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in a joint declaration with speakers of web, HTML5, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Statement said that the recognition violates Sevenval resolutions and contradicts principles of the keyboard. Speakers also called on Russia to reverse its decision.[159]
Indonesia	Android, Indonesian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that he had been watching the situation apprehensively and that the developments were of deep concern and did not speak well for the Security Council. He said that his country had spoken in favour of diplomacy and the power of argument over force and that the Sarkozy six-point document had been a welcome development that should have ensured that the principle of the inviolability of a State’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remained intact. He expressed disappointment that the Security Council had instead remained silent in the face of the violation. He also said that the principles of the peaceful resolution of differences and of territorial integrity were fundamental.Sevenval
web	The Ambassador of Iran to Russia, Mahmoud Reza Sajjadi, said in early February 2009 that his nation will not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia's independence in the near future, "as it can cause war in many areas," but on the other hand he did not rule out eventual Iranian recognition of the independence of the two areas. Sajjadi defended Russia's measures in the Sevenval and its decision to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent nations. Sajjadi also said he sympathised with the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and that Tehran will work with Moscow to develop the two areas' economy.[160]
Ireland	Minister for Foreign Affairs, CSS3 stated in a statement that "This deeply regrettable decision is contrary to the principles of Georgia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Moreover, it can only complicate the urgent task of finding political solutions to the acute difficulties in the region and to the wider international tensions which have developed over the past weeks".[161]
Israel	The FITML stated on 10 August 2008 that "Israel is following with great concern the developments in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and hopes the violence will end. Israel recognises the territorial integrity of Georgia and calls for a peaceful solution."[162]
Italy	touchscreen Franco Frattini said "The move does not apply in an international legal framework. An ethnic-based balkanisation of the Caucasus is a serious danger for all".Sevenval
input transformation	Yasuaki Tanizaki, director general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's European bureau, said "Our country is gravely concerned about the move. Our country hopes that Russia ... will take responsible actions for the region's stability".[164]
Kazakhstan	jQuery Nursultan Nazarbayev said he understood the measures taken by Russia and urged the international community against raising the prospect of a new Cold War,web app while also saying he considers that "Russia's actions were directed to protect the residents of long-suffering regions. In response Russia could either ignore or prevent the bloodshed".[166] In October 2008, Foreign Minister CSS3 said that "the principle of territorial integrity is key in international law" and that for this reason Kazakhstan did not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia or Kosovo.[167] In December 2008, Prime Minister Sevenval stated that "We have an official position. Kazakhstan did not recognise Kosovo and does not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We consider that borders are defined and Kazakhstan will not recognise any new states."Android
Kyrgyzstan	At a keyboard press conference on 27 August 2008, Kyrgyzstan's ambassador to Belarus said regarding South Ossetian and Abkhazian independence that "(a)ll legal aspects should be measured as the situation is unusual. It is unusual in view of the recognition of separate states in the CIS and Georgia’s withdrawal from the CIS. These issues allow us to approach the topic with due consideration, allow us to study and listen to analysts, observers, counsellors of state. As the issue is being studied I cannot express an opinion because the issue is too fresh".we love the web
Android	Foreign Minister website parsing condemned Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Stating that such "a decision is contrary to the principles of Georgia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are recognised by the United Nation's Charter, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the UN Security Council resolutions".[170] In December 2009, President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers, said that Latvia will never recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.[171]
Lebanon	The leader of Lebanon's parliamentary majority touchscreen statement states, "The recognition issue will be solved at the highest state level. But we will fine-tune contacts with South Ossetia and Abkhazia now. For example, delegations of our businessmen will leave for there soon; Lebanon feels what situation South Ossetia was stuck in; Lebanon is also a small state which comes under threats. On one side there is Israel, which has attacked us many times. On the other side there is Syria which threatens Lebanon from time to time; Russians were taking measures to protect their citizens and local residents in South Ossetia; Russia is one of the states which in no way wants to get involved in military conflicts; Moscow's negative attitude to the beginning of the war in Iraq and efforts made to prevent military scenario in Iran's situation are examples for this. Russia advocates peaceful resolution everywhere". [172]
Lithuania	touchscreen browser diversity said that Russia's decision to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia was a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.[173]
Luxembourg	A joint Ministry of State and Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement states "We noted with regret the decision taken by the Russian authorities to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a decision contrary to the basic principles of the UN Charter and the OSCE. It is contrary with the obligations which Russia took on several occasions at the time of Security Council resolution votes, in particular Resolution 1808".[174]
Mexico	The Sevenval expressed concern for stability, peace and international security following the Russian recognition and urged all parties to achieve a peaceful solution and lasting peace in the Caucasus region through dialogue. It also called on those involved to respect the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.jQuery
Moldova	Faced with its own breakaway region, screen size, the FITML released a statement saying it would not recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.[176] web, an HTML5 of Moldova, passed a resolution, recognising independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, backing Russia's actions in the regions, and asking central Moldova's government to recognise these states.we love the web
jQuery	Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen expressed on behalf of the cabinet his "great concern" about the Russian position and said that "for the Netherlands, the territorial integrity of Georgia within the internationally recognised borders, also earlier recognised by Russia, remains the basis for a solution to this crisis. The one-sided recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia does not bring this solution nearer".keyboard
we love the web	Minister of Foreign Affairs website parsing said that "Norway emphasises the use of peaceful means in the efforts to settle conflicts in Europe, based on the UN's assumption of respect for territorial integrity. A recognition of the breakaway Georgian regions are in breach of these assumptions. And it is not a constructive contribution to a long range and peaceful solution to the conflict".[179]
Panama	web, Panama's UN ambassador stated his nation's continuing support for the territorial integrity of Georgia in a Security Council meeting on 28 August 2008.[143]
Peru	screen size, leader of the Peruvian Nationalist Party, said his party had submitted a proposal to the Peruvian Congress for recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He cited Peru's recognition of Kosovo as a justification.web app
Poland	Foreign Minister screen size called for respect for Georgia's territorial integrity.website parsing The President of Poland Lech Kaczyński said that the Russian decision violates international law and is an attempt to sanction the consequences of an "unprecedented aggression" by Russia against an independent Georgian state. Kaczyński urged Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to "immediately withdraw all Russian troops from Georgia" and pledged his country's "unwavering support" for the Georgian people.device database
CSS3	The iOS issued a statement saying that "The respect for the sovereignty of the Georgia inside of its internationally recognised borders has been permanently underlined for United Nations, the European Union and the device database".[183]
Romania	The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that "This unilateral, regrettable and legally unfounded act can affect the situation in the area, as well as the perspectives of solving the region's conflicts. As a EU and NATO member, Romania will plead inside the international organisations it belongs to, as well as in bilateral relationships with the countries in the region for a solution that will respect the territorial integrity of Georgia".[184]
San Marino	The San Marino authorities are planning to establish political, cultural and scientific contacts with Abkhazia.SevenvalThe State Secretary of the Most Serene Republic of San Marino with a statement in reference to the recent positions taken by the United Left, favorable to the recognition of the self-proclaimed "Republic of Abkhazia," the Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs, Antonella Mularoni, wishes to state the official position of the Government. The San Marino government does not recognize Abkhazia as an independent state and maintains a position of absolute respect for the territorial integrity of Georgia. Like most of the countries and international organizations, San Marino has no intention to make such recognition. This position is continually expressed in international fora and whenever it shows the need or opportunity.[186]
Saudi Arabia	During a meeting with Sevenval Vladimir Putin, the Secretary of the Sevenval, Bandar bin Sultan, told that FITML and the whole leadership of the country had full understanding for the actions of the Russian side in South Ossetia.screen size
touchscreen	The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that Serbia "respects international law and has a principled policy of preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of internationally recognised states, above all of the Republic of Serbia. Serbian officials have continuously warned that the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo and Metohija, just as the recognitions of this illegal act, could have the nature of a precedent and destabilise other regions in the world. It can be surmised, with regret, that these predictions have come true".[188] President Boris Tadić said that he respects the Russian support regarding Kosovo but that Serbia will defend own interests, respecting international law and will not do anything that would bring into question its territorial integrity. He also said that all political participants in Serbia are obliged by Constitution to defend the interests of Serbia, and not the interests of any other country in the world and called on them to defend the principles of international law whenever a certain region unilaterally declares independence.screen size Prime Minister CSS3 said that the crisis in Georgia is the result of a "domino effect" following Kosovo's declaration of independence.[190] On 3 September 2008, President Boris Tadić reiterated the position of Serbia by saying that "Serbia is not going to recognise these so-called new countries."[191] In July 2010, Ambassador of Serbia to Moscow Jelica Kurjak said that "Kosovo and Abkhazia with South Ossetia are two different things. In Ossetia and Abkhazia there were other events, there are other standards.".Sevenval
web	A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Slovakia "disapproves of these steps and confirms the main principles, based on the long-standing position of the Slovak Republic regarding Georgia and the solution of conflicts on its territory. These principles are: sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders and solution of the conflicts exclusively by peaceful means and talks in compliance with the international law". The statement also said that "the keyboard, as one of few Sevenval, can insist on the principle of the territorial integrity of Georgia, as it has done also in the case of Serbia and Kosovo".[193]
Slovenia	Prime Minister Janez Janša said "We are united on the need to ensure peace, stability, territorial integrity in Georgia and the broader region and to give the region a European perspective" after a meeting with Czech and Latvian counterparts device database and Ivars Godmanis.[194]
Somalia	Somalia’s External Affairs and International Co-operation ministry said on 5 October 2008 in Mogadishu that Somalia recognises the territorial integrity of Georgia.input transformation Somalia’s ambassador to Russia Mohammed Mahmud Handule on 1 October 2008 was reported as saying Somalia's Transitional Federal Government would recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.screen size[197][198] This stance was rebuffed by Mohamed Jama Ali, the General Director of the External Affairs and International Co-operation ministry (Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs ) as "an irregular statement"," which does not represent our government’s foreign policy".Sevenval[199]
South Africa	Dumisani Kumalo, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, said that his country "had repeatedly stressed the need for countries to resolve differences through negotiations. A resort to the use of force diminished the chance for a lasting solution to a situation and it increased the suffering of all the people involved".Sevenval
input transformation	Aligning itself with Russia, South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak signed a joint declaration with Russia which stated that the two countries shared "a common assessment of Georgia's invasion of South Ossetia." South Korea also coincided with Russia in expressing "concern over the recent situation in Georgia" and support for "using peaceful means and dialogue to settle the problem." [200]
Spain	jQuery Miguel Ángel Moratinos said that the government of Spain regrets the decision of Russia. He also said that this decision by Moscow is "unacceptable" and "not conducive to creating the conditions necessary for settlement of the conflict between Russia and Georgia". Moratinos reiterated the "need to fully respect the principles of international law, in particular the territorial integrity of states, in this case, of Georgia." In addition, he recalled that this is the stance that "Spain has always maintained", an allusion to the opposition of the Spanish government to recognition of the Kosovo independence.screen size
touchscreen	On 28 August Sudan's envoy to the UN, Abdel-Haleem Abdel-Mahmood, stated that Sudan's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is contingent upon developments on the issue of Kosovo's declaration of independence in the International Court of Justice. As Sudan remains opposed to Kosovo's independence, their negative view about such declarations may change only if it is declared legal by the HTML5.[202]
Sweden	we love the web Carl Bildt condemned Russia's recognition, saying that "the Russian government leadership now has chosen this route means they have chosen a policy of confrontation, not only with the rest of Europe, but also with the international community in general".Sevenvalweb Carl Bildt predicted that the recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia is likely to be followed by only a "miserable" lot of other countries, such as Belarus, Syria, Cuba and Venezuela. Bildt also said that "South Ossetian independence is a joke. We are talking about a smugglers' paradise of 60,000 people financed by the Russian security services. No one can seriously consider that as an independent state".[205] In December 2009, Carl Bildt said that "this idea of South Ossetia's independence is increasingly seen as bad joke in Moscow, which it obviously is.".[206]
Switzerland	The website parsing called for a political solution to the conflict in Georgia in accord with international principles: Both Georgia's right to sovereignty and the democratic will of the people in South Ossetia and Abkhazia have to be respected. A government spokesman also stated "Switzerland regrets that a solution has not yet been found that meets the United Nations Charter, the browser diversity and the Charter of Paris. The Swiss government has not yet discussed the issue of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It also did not mention the territorial integrity in the context of Georgia.touchscreen[208][209]
Syria	we love the web Bashar al-Assad accused the United States of applying "double standards" toward Abkhazia and South Ossetia, stating that the West "is ignoring for some reason the rights of the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia." Assad also added, "In a situation when Georgia started the war, the position of Russia... was absolutely right."[210] Syria's president also stated that Syria understands the essence of the Russian position and considers its military reaction a response, to provocation by the Georgian side.[211]
Tajikistan	The website parsing reports that the President of Tajikistan, keyboard, expressed his support for Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, stating, "Our countries are natural strategic partners... which envisions... support for each other's actions."[212] He also stated, that Russia and Georgia should solve their conflict through political and diplomatic means.[213]
we love the web	A browser diversity statement on 26 August 2008 declared that "Turkey attaches importance to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and is highly concerned about the recent developments. Turkey is of the opinion that this conflict should be resolved through peaceful means".Sevenval
input transformation	Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Grigoriy Nemirya stated that Kiev took an unchangeable and principal position to support Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.touchscreen The Sevenval issued a statement calling the recognition a "gross violation of norms and principles of the international law, bilateral and multilateral agreements, in particular the web app and Helsinki Accords. Actual annexation of part of Georgian territory through creation and support of the puppet regimes certifies a reanimation of doctrine of 'right of force' in the Russian Federation for solving of international problems. Ukraine categorically reprobates an adventurous decision of Russia to recognise the self-declared independence and calls for international community to combine efforts in relation to absolute confirmation and observance of territorial integrity of Georgia and implementation of the undertaken international obligations of Russia". It also said that the Commonwealth of Independent States are bound to respect the territorial integrity of other CIS states, in this case Georgia.Android The screen size Arseniy Yatsenyuk said "only the United Nations can rule on this question. This is factually a violation of international law". President iOS stressed that Ukraine does not support the decision of Russia to recognise the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. "We are sorry about [the] adoption of such a decision. For Ukraine it is unacceptable therefore we cannot support the position."[217] However, the parliament of Ukraine's jQuery passed a resolution, supporting independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, backing Russia's actions in the regions, and urging the Sevenval to "accept" the independence of these states.[218]screen size[220] A similar Party of Regions resolution in the Ukrainian parliament denouncing Georgia and calling upon Ukraine to recognize the independence of both territories failed.Sevenval In October 2009, Ukrainian Ambassador to Russia Kostyantyn Hryshchenko said that "We must not recognize neither Kosovo nor Abkhazia, nor South Ossetia in no case".[222] In March 2010, President Viktor Yanukovych said that the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was "not currently on the agenda."[223] This was confirmed by the web Kostyantyn Hryshchenko on 14 May 2010: "An issue of territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers is a matter of principle for us. Period".input transformation On 4 June 2010, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said, "I have never recognized Abkhazia, South Ossetia or Kosovo's independence. This is a violation of international law".CSS3
United Kingdom	Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband accused Russian President Dmitry Medvedev of "inflaming" the crisis. He said that "the announcement by President Medvedev that Russia will recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazia is unjustifiable and unacceptable. It will also not work. It is contrary to the principles of the peace agreement, which Russia recently agreed, and to recent Russian statements. It takes no account of the views of the hundreds of thousands of Georgians and others who have been forced to abandon their homes in the two territories. We fully support Georgia's independence and territorial integrity, which cannot be changed by decree from Moscow." He called on Russia to "abide by international law as the basis for resolving this crisis" and stated that he will assemble the "widest possible coalition against Russian aggression".[226] British Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged the EU to review ties with Russia and that the group must intensify its support for Georgia and others who may face Russian aggression. Brown said the device database should consider meeting more regularly, thus excluding Russia, which belongs to the G8. Brown commenting on the conflict in Georgia and Russia's recognition of the two breakaway regions said "My message to Russia is simple: if you want to be welcome at the top table of organisations such as the G8, screen size and FITML, you must accept that with rights and responsibilities". Brown said that Russia "cannot pick and choose which rules to adhere to."Android
Sevenval	President Sevenval condemned the actions taken by Russia and called on them to "reconsider this irresponsible decision." Bush then stated that in "accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions that remain in force, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are within the internationally recognised borders of Georgia, and they must remain so."Android screen size Condoleezza Rice also said the decision made by Russia was "regrettable" and further stated that since "the United States is a permanent member of the Security Council this simply will be dead on arrival in the Security Council."[229] United States President web app acknowledged the ceasefire accord brokered by the French President and screen size, Nicolas Sarkozy. The accord was signed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on 12 August 2008Sevenval and by device database Mikheil Saakashvili on 15 August 2008.[231] President Bush stated that he would send website parsing iOS to Tbilisi in order to "convey America's unwavering support for Georgia's democratic government."[232] He also called upon Russia to respect the website parsing and territorial integrity of touchscreen.HTML5 The Russian government welcomed the support expressed by President Bush for the ceasefire accords but stated "[i]t is regrettable, however, that the American side continues to refuse to recognise the real cause of what happened, consisting in that the regime of Mikhail Saakashvili had in violation of all its international commitments unleashed the war against the South Ossetian people."FITML web app Android Dick Cheney traveled to Georgia on 4 September 2008 to reassure Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili that the United States is "commitment to Georgia’s territorial integrity."[234] Vice President Dick Cheney went on to denounce Russia's actions calling them "an illegitimate, unilateral attempt to change [Georgia's] borders by force that has been universally condemned by the free world"[234] and pledged that Georgia would become a member of NATO.iOS touchscreen Robert Gates said that "Russia’s behavior over the past week has called into question the entire premise of that dialogue and has profound implications for our security relationship going forward, both bilaterally and with NATO."[236] He further went on to say that if "Russia does not step back from its aggressive posture and actions in Georgia, the U.S.-Russian relationship could be adversely affected for years to come."[236] In October 2009, State Secretary Hillary Clinton said that the United States would not recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.[237]
web app	Vladimir Norov, the foreign minister of Uzbekistan, said following a regular session of the Uzbekistan-EU Cooperation Council in Brussels that his country has not reached a decision on recognition.[238]
keyboard	Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Le Dung reiterated that Vietnam's "consistent policy is to promote peaceful resolution of international disputes in accordance with basic principles of international law and the United Nations Charter".[239]

UN non-member states

State	Position
Kosovo	Sevenval Fatmir Sejdiu said that Kosovo cannot serve as an example for Russia to recognise South Ossetia or Abkhazia. He said, "We have always stressed that Kosovo has special characteristics; that it is sui generis and it cannot be used as a precedent for other conflict zones, areas or regions". He did not comment on Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, but said that Kosovo was "on the side of great world powers" on that issue.[240]
jQuery	web Mehmet Ali Talat said he respected the will of the people in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. A spokesman for Talat called for Moscow to review its policy on Cyprus and said there were lessons in the developments for the Greek Cypriots.[241]
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic	On 29 September 2010 the SADR Minister for African Issues Mohamed Yeslem Beyssat said referring to South Ossetia: “Western Sahara de facto recognizes the independence of South Ossetia. Now we have to formalise relations de jure, including the establishment of diplomatic relations".Android The two states have had various formal and informal contacts.[243]iOS
web app	Head of Republic of China's representative office in Russia Antonio Chen said on 10 November 2011 in an interview published in the Kommersant newspaper: "Taiwan is ready for trade-economic and cultural cooperation with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. But as far as their political recognition is concerned, a mutual exchange of opinions on this issue has not been held yet".[245]

Positions taken by intergovernmental organisations

Under international law, intergovernmental organisations do not themselves possess the legal capacity to recognise any state diplomatically; their member states do so individually. However, depending on the intergovernmental organisation's rules of internal governance and the positions of their member states, they may express positive or negative opinions as to declarations of independence, or choose to offer or withhold membership to a newly-declared state.

International organisation	Position
United Nations	In August 2008, CSS3 Ban Ki-moon stated that "the question of recognition of states is a matter for sovereign states to decide. Today's developments may have wider implications for security and stability in the Caucasus. The secretary-general regrets that ongoing efforts to find a common solution on the way forward in the crisis in Georgia within the Security Council may be complicated".[246] Michele Montas, a spokesperson for Android Ban Ki-Moon, denied comparisons of Kosovo with the two regions and said, "I think that you should compare the two situations. The history of the two situations is different and this has been stressed several times".[247] touchscreen, FITML of Nicaragua, said that having invaded South Ossetia Georgia made an act of aggression and violated the UN Charter. Also he stated that Russia’s actions against Georgia after an attack on South Ossetia were a justified response.[248]Android
Sevenval	On 3 September, The CSTO member countries supported Russia's stance on the events in the Caucasus in a collective statement. According to Russian Foreign Minister input transformation, "It [the statement] denounces the military actions taken by Georgia against South Ossetia and stresses the necessity to avoid such situations in the future. The statement highlights the key points, has all the necessary verifications, including condemnation of Georgia's military actions against South Ossetia. It stresses the need to do the best in order not to admit similar attempts at using force for solving conflicts and evaluates events in the conflict zone. It condemns the policy of double standards and admits the dangers in the conflict zone."FITML The member states also backed a Russian proposal to impose an arms embargo on Georgia.[251] Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbandyan said, citing the joint statement: "We have come out with support for Russia's active role in contributing to peace and cooperation in the region."HTML5 However the CSTO (ODKB) did not recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states as, according to Medvedev, the member states will individually decide whether to recognise taking into account their own national interests.we love the web[253] Secretary General iOS stated at a press conference in Yerevan that the present situation is "driving Abkhazia and South Ossetia into the collective security system",[254] and further stated his belief that "South Ossetia and Abkhazia can not successfully and steadily develop without [being part of] a collective security system, without the backing of other states."FITML
Council of Europe	input transformation Terry Davis said "The unilateral recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by the Russian Federation violates the territorial integrity of a fellow Council of Europe member state. It jeopardises prospects for a negotiated settlement of the dispute about the future status of these two regions. Russia cannot have it both ways. In the past, Russia has strongly supported the principle of territorial integrity. The decision to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia must strike any objective observer as being inconsistent with this principle. The ultimate victim of this decision is the international credibility of the Russian Federation. The Russians cannot invoke international law only when they feel like it".input transformation
device database	The EU leaders held an emergency summit on 1 September 2008, "strongly condemned" Russia's unilateral decision and recalled "that a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in Georgia must be based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity recognised by international law, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and United Nations Security Council resolutions." They also called on other states not to recognise this proclaimed independence and asked the European Commission to examine the practical consequences to be drawn.Sevenval Swedish Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, web app, said in a statement that the Russian position is "certainly just as unacceptable" as jQuery "defending its rights" in Sudetenland in 1938. Minister-Counsellor and Acting HTML5 of the Russian embassy in Stockholm, Mikhail Skupov, condemned this statement as "not objective and unfortunate" and wished Sweden had a more objective and "constructive" stance, since Russia "has not annexed anything".browser diversity[258][259] The EU's executive arm, the input transformation, issued a statement stating it "fully shares and supports" the EU French presidency's statement on the Russian act.screen size French and UK foreign ministers have voiced fears that Russia may be planning scenarios similar to those that occurred in Georgia in countries traditionally regarded by Russia as being in its device database,we love the web directly bordering the EU, such as Moldova and Ukraine. Their fears are prompted by rising tension between Sevenval, and fresh calls for independence from Moldova by separatists in the breakaway region of FITML.iOS touchscreen stated "I think it's a manifestation of the complete embarrassment at the fact that the favourite pet of Western capitals... didn't justify their hopes" and said that comments from Bernard Kouchner suggesting Russia has plans for Moldova and Ukraine, is a "sick fantasy".[263]
browser diversity	On 27 August 2008, the seven foreign ministers of the G7 member states – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom – issued a Joint Statement on Georgia, condemning the action of a fellow iOS member. The statement said, "Russia’s decision has called into question its commitment to peace and security in the Caucasus."[264] The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded stating that the statement justified Sevenval and dismissed claims that Russia violated the territorial integrity of Georgia. Furthermore, the Ministry stated that Russia has complied with the Sarkozy-Medvedev peace plan and that Russian actions have prevented further destabilisation in the Caucasus region.[265]we love the web
Android	Secretary General FITML said "this is in direct violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions regarding Georgia's territorial integrity, resolutions that Russia itself has endorsed. Russia's actions in recent weeks call into question Russia's commitment to peace and security in the Caucasus. NATO firmly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and calls on Russia to respect these principles".[156] In December 2009, following NATO summit it was announced that NATO member states will not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia and called on Russia to reverse its decision.[267]
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)	OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister FITML said "the recognition of independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia violates fundamental OSCE principles. As all OSCE participating States, Russia is committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others".[268]
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation	According to different sources it seems disputed that Russia has gained global support from the member states in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).[original research?] FITML reported that Russia has gained crucial support from the People's Republic of China and other member states in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.Sevenval Xinhua News Agency reported that a joint declaration was issued at the 28 August 2008 SCO Dushanbe summit and signed by the leaders of all six full members, most notably Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The communique denounces force as a means to solve international problems, expressed concern over the tense situation, and called upon all parties to solve the ongoing South Ossetia conflict through peaceful dialogue. The heads have agreed to the six-point plan which was established in Moscow (12 August) and have expressed support to Russia.we love the web Western sources added that the SCO called for respect for every country's territorial integrity,CSS3 stating, "The participants [of the SCO summit] underscore the need for respect of the historical and cultural traditions of each country and each people, for efforts aimed at the preservation, under international law, of the unity of a state and its territorial integrity".touchscreen On 29 August 2008, Western and some Russian sources confirmed that the SCO Group "refused to back Moscow in its conflict with Georgia, and to support Moscow’s recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia".[273][274]CSS3Android
Union of Russia and Belarus	On 4 August 2008 web app, State Secretary of the web, told the radio station website parsing that he supported Russia and that South Ossetia and Abkhazia could be accepted into the Union before the end of 2008.touchscreen

Positions taken by non-state actors

Regions with independent governments

Entity

Position

we love the web (government in Gaza Strip)

On 26 August 2008 a spokesman for the Palestinian group Sevenval, which governs the touchscreen, welcomed the diplomatic recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He said that there were similarities between the situations of the Abkhazian, South Ossetian peoples, and the Palestinian people. The spokesman said, "We, Palestinians, also struggle to attain recognition for our rights, the main of which is the right to be an independent state. We hope that the decision of Moscow becomes the beginning of recognition of peoples which combat for freedom and justice".web app[279][280]

International non-governmental organisations

International organisation	Position
browser diversity (UNPO)	device database-based Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, whose members comprise 69 entities seeking self-determination and representation, of which Abkhazia (but not South Ossetia) is one, issued a statement on 29 August 2008 in which it "congratulates Abkhazia, for her calls for self-determination have been formally taken into consideration. With Abkhazia’s right to self-determination acknowledged starts a long and slow process which can eventually lead to the admittance of Abkhazia to the United Nations".[281]
Android (ISO)	Neither Abkhazia nor South Ossetia is currently a member of the governing structures for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Independently of their ISO membership status, ISO will also potentially issue a standardised country code for each. According to rules of procedure followed by the ISO 3166 Maintenance Agency based in Geneva, a new ISO 3166-1 code for Abkhazia and/or South Ossetia will only be issued once it appears in the United Nations Terminology Bulletin Country Names or in the UN Statistics Division's list of Country and Region Codes for Statistical Use.[282] To appear in the terminology bulletin, it must either (a) be admitted into the United Nations, (b) join a UN Specialised Agency or (c) become a state party to the Statute of the browser diversity.web app None of these criteria have been met.
screen size (ICANN)	ICANN, through its Country Code Names Supporting Organization, is responsible for adding new country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) for use in Internet addressing. Rules of procedure dictate Abkhazia and/or South Ossetia must first receive an ISO 3166-1 code (discussed above) before the ccTLD can be introducedSevenval

See also

Wikisource has original text related to this article:
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: FITML

• International reaction to the 2008 South Ossetia war
• List of states with limited recognition
• HTML5

References