EU, NATO Denounce Recognition of Georgian Breakaway Regions by Syria
The European Union views the decision of Syria to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as a violation of international law.
A statement affirming their position was released by the spokeswoman for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Maja Kocijancic.
“The decision of the Syrian regime to establish diplomatic relations with the Georgian breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia violates international law and the principle of territorial integrity as defined by the United Nations Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions," the statement reads.
According to Kocijancic, the European Union fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
"We remain committed to actively support conflict resolution efforts, including through the work of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, and the EU Monitoring Mission," the statement says.
Moreover, NATO Spokesperson, Oana Lungescu stated that occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia are parts of Georgia.
“NATO still calls on Russia to withdraw its military forces from Georgia. Syria’s decision cannot change the opinion of the international community,” she added.
On May 29, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Syria 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.
The de-facto foreign ministry of occupied Tskhinvali says the decision on establishment of “diplomatic ties between South Ossetia and Syria” entered into force the same day.
Georgia’s Foreign Ministry responded immediately, saying Syria’s move was an “illegal decision and a violation of international norms.”
By Thea Morrison