Syria Recognizes Georgia’s Breakaway Regions as Independent States

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Syria has released an official statement saying they recognized Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Tskhinvali) as independent countries.

“Expressing gratitude for the support during the terrorist aggression against Syria, the Syrian Arab Republic decided to establish diplomatic relations with the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” the Syrian foreign ministry said.

Anatoly Bibilov, de facto president of occupied Tskhinvali, said he welcomed the step taken by Syria, saying the “recognition of independence of South Ossetia by Syria is a continuation of the irreversible process that began in 2008,” when the occupied regions fell under Russian occupation.

"Mutual recognition of independence and establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Ossetia and the Syrian Arab Republic is a significant and historic phenomenon. Everybody needs new friends, especially those countries that appeared in a difficult situation, faced military aggression and terrorism,” the self-proclaimed president stated.

Bibilov thanked Syrian President Bashar Assad and expressed readiness for close relations with the country.

De-facto foreign ministry of occupied Tskhinvali says the decision on establishment of “diplomatic ties between South Ossetia and Syria” entered into force today. 

 Georgia’s Foreign Ministry responded to the action taken by Syria, saying it was an  “illegal decision and a violation of international norms.”

Recognition of independence of historic regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Osetia), by Russian manipulated Assad regime in Syria, is another blatant violation of Int Law by Assad and should be condemned by the int community

— Mikheil Janelidze (@JanelidzeMkh) May 29, 2018

By Thea Morrison