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International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

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Russian Presidential Decree No. 1260 recognising Abkhazian independence
Russian Presidential Decree No. 1261 recognising South Ossetian independence

Abkhazia and South Ossetia are partially recognised countries, which Georgia considers as parts of its sovereign territory.

Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia in 1992, when it invoked the right of secession under an interpretation of Articles 70 and 72 of the USSR Constitution. South Ossetia also declared independence from Georgia in the early 1990s during the 1991–1992 South Ossetia War.

The two regions' self-proclaimed independence was not officially recognised by any United Nations members until 26 August 2008, when Dmitry Medvedev, the President of Russia, did so. Russia's recognition occurred in the aftermath of the 2008 South Ossetia war, which was fought between Georgia on one side and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Russia on the other.

NATO, the European Union and many countries have condemned Russia's decision and urged Russia to respect Georgia's territorial integrity. Georgia responded to Russia by cutting all diplomatic relations and declaring Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories. After cutting diplomatic relations with Russia, Georgia stated it will keep a consulate in Russia's capital, Moscow.

The Constitution of Abkhazia and the Constitution of South Ossetia declared each country's independence as the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia, respectively.

History

Main articles: History of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Following the Bolshevik Red Army invasion of Georgia in 1921, Abkhazia was made a Soviet republic with the ambiguous status of Union Republic associated with the Russian SFSR. In 1931, Joseph Stalin made Abkhazia an autonomous republic within the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.

In 1992, Georgia abolished the Soviet-era constitution and restored the Democratic Republic of Georgia. Abkhazia and South Ossetia unilaterally declared independence, although the secession was unrecognised by any other country until Russia on 26 August 2008.

Russia's recognition and precedent

Russian President Dmitry 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 Kosovo Albanians was not good for them. In international relations, you cannot have one rule for some and another rule for others."

The Ambassador of Russia 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 their decision concerning Kosovo's independence" and subsequently "act on the premise that this is the new political reality."

International reaction

United Nations

Michele Montas, a spokesperson for UN General Secretary 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".

United States

In a press briefing, United States President George W. Bush acknowledged the ceasefire accord brokered by the French President and President of the European Council, Nicolas Sarkozy. The accord was signed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on 12 August 2008 and by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili . President Bush stated that he would send Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Tbilisi in order to "convey America's unwavering support for Georgia's democratic government." He also called upon Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. The Russian Government welcomed the support expressed by President Bush for the ceasefire accords; however, they expressed their regret that the United States government "continues to refuse to recognise the real cause...the regime of Mikheil Saakashvili had, in violation of all its international commitments, unleashed the war against the South Ossetian people." The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, said the world could "forget about" Georgia controlling the two regions which Russia now recognises as independent. President Bush condemned Russia's actions and called on Russia to reconsider their decision in recognizing the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states and to follow the approach set out in the ceasefire accords.

European Union

Swedish Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Carl Bildt, said in a statement that the Russian position is "certainly just as unacceptable" as Nazi Germany "defending its rights" in Sudetenland in 1938. Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin, noted previous Georgian aggression against Ossetia, and went on to say that "those who insist that those territories must continue to belong to Georgia are Stalinists", given that it was Joseph Stalin, an ethnic Georgian-Ossetian, who gave the territory to the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, the predecessor of the modern day Republic of Georgia.

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 sphere of influence, and which directly border the EU, such as Moldova and Ukraine. Their fears are prompted by rising tension between Ukraine and Russia, and fresh calls for independence from Moldova by separatists in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Sergei Lavrov 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".

Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia's independence

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A world map showing the status of international recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia independence by nation:  Abkhazia and South Ossetia   States that formally recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent.   States that have expressed positive views on recognition.   States that have delayed or have expressed neutrality on recognition.   States that have expressed concern оr wish for further negotiations   States that will not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia or that recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.   No reported position at present.

Recognition

Country Date of recognition Diplomatic relations status Statement International organisations membership
 Russia August 26, 2008 President Dmitry Medvedev has instructed the foreign ministry to open talks with Abkhazia and South Ossetia on establishing diplomatic relations with Russia. President Dmitry Medvedev made the following statement after he recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia independence: "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, the CSCE Helsinki Final Act of 1975 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."

United Nations Permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Rotating President of the UNSC at the time of recognition
Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state

CSTO member state

 Nicaragua September 5, 2008 Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega declared in a public event that "the Government of Nicaragua recognises the independence of the Republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and we fully support the position expressed by the Russian government."
The official recognition decree was published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5 September and it said "Nicaragua recognises the sister republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as the newest members of the world's community of independent nations and we welcome them".

Expressed intent to recognise independence

Country Response International organisations membership
 Belarus On 28 August, 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. President Alexander Lukashenko had also expressed support of 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." Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state

CSTO member state

Supportive of Russia's recognition

Country Response International organisations membership
 Tajikistan The Moscow Times reports that Tajikistan's President Emomalii Rahmon expressed his support for Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, stating "Our countries are natural strategic partners... envisions...support for each other's actions". He also stated that Russia and Georgia should solve their conflict through political and diplomatic means. But Tajikistan didn't back explicitly Russian recognition policy like other SCO states too. Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state
.

CSTO member state
SCO member state

 Venezuela President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez said in a statement "Russia has recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia is right, they wanted to surround Russia, but the Russia of today is not that of Yeltsin who surrendered to the order of the imperialism, no, Russia stood up". However, he did not state categorically that Venezuela intended to recognise the two regions.

Non-recognition

State Notes International organisations membership
 Albania The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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 the majority ethnic-Albanian Kosovo, claiming Kosovo to be a special case.
 Australia Foreign Minister Stephen Smith 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".
 Austria 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".
 Armenia President Serzh Sargsyan 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 Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. 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". Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state
CSTO member state
 Azerbaijan Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Khazar Ibrahim stated, "Azerbaijan’s position remains unchanged. We recognise Georgia’s territorial integrity". Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state
 Belgium 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. United Nations Non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of Russia's recognition
 Brazil Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said, "Of course, we are still analysing the full purport of this latest development".
 Bulgaria 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 ".
 Canada 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".
Georgiy Mamedov, Ambassador of Russia to Canada, explained that the move was taken in light of American efforts to rearm the Georgian military and public statements from Saakashvili that he would attempt to retake the two regions in future, and if of the belief that Canadian officials are ignoring the facts and "instead have fallen into step behind the United States".
 People's Republic of China 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". United Nations Permanent member of the UNSC
SCO member state
 Croatia President 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". Neven Jurica, Croatian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, called the Russian Federation's action regrettable and illegitimate. United Nations Non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of Russia's recognition
 Costa Rica At a UN Security Council meeting regarding the Georgia situation Jorge Urbina, the Costa Rica's ambassador, 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." United Nations Non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of Russia's recognition
 Cyprus Foreign Minister 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". 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".
 Czech Republic The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling Russia's action "an attack on the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia".
 Denmark Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller declared "unconditional support for Georgia's territorial integrity".
 Estonia Foreign Minister 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".
 Finland 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 letter of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The international community cannot accept unilaterally established buffer zones".
 France The French Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "We consider this is a regrettable decision and I recall our attachment to the territorial integrity of Georgia". French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner 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." United Nations Permanent member of the UNSC
 Germany Chancellor 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".
 Georgia Deputy Foreign Minister Giga Bokeria said, "This is an unconcealed annexation of these territories, which are a part of Georgia". President Mikheil Saakashvili stated that "the point here is the Russians are bluffing and they're overplaying their hand" and that that Europe was in "mortal danger" from its reliance on Russian energy and that Georgia could further develop its role as a transit state to help reduce that dependence. He also said, "This is so shameless but it makes many things at least for the world more simple. They've posed a challenge to the world, now it's up to the world to tackle this challenge. I'm somehow reassured by good reactions from the West and generally from the world. What I'm reassured about is that at least people see the reality now. Russia clearly intended this as a blatant challenge to world order. It's now up to all of us to roll Russian aggression back. If they get away with this, they will carry on ... they will also attack other countries in the neighbourhood".
On 28 August, the Parliament of Georgia passed a resolution declaring Abkhazia and South Ossetia "Russian-occupied territories" and instructing the government to annul all previous treaties on Russian peacekeeping.
On 29 August, the Government of Georgia announced that they were severing diplomatic relations with Russia, with the Georgian Embassy in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi to close as a result. 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".		 Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state (Georgian Parliament voted unanimously to withdraw from the CIS on 14 August 2008, however Georgia will have to officially remain a member for 12 months after this date)
 Greece Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis stated that among the principles of Greek foreign policy 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.
 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".
 Iceland Sturla Böðvarsson, Speaker of Althing, condemned Russia for recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in a joint declaration with speakers of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Statement said that the recognition violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and contradicts principles of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Speakers also called on Russia to reverse its decision.
 Indonesia Marty Natalegawa, 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. United Nations Non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of Russia's recognition
 Iran Iran backed Russia over Georgia. Blaming outside powers and Georgian leaders for the current situation, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called upon "all countries from outside the region not to interfere and countries in the region to resolve these issues". Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki further added, "Iran is opposed to war anywhere in the world, believing that both the regional and the international problems can be solved thoroughly in the course of negotiations and relying on sound diplomacy...Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs pursues the developments in that region alertly, in line with its duties to secure our own national interests". SCO observer state
 Ireland Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin 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".
 Israel The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on 10 August 2008 that Israel "recognises Georgia's territorial integrity".
 Italy Foreign Minister 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". United Nations Non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of Russia's recognition
 Japan 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".
 Kazakhstan Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev said he understood the measures taken by Russia and urged the international community against raising the prospect of a new Cold War, 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". Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state
CSTO member state
SCO member state
 Kyrgyzstan At a Minsk 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". Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state
CSTO member state
SCO member state
 Latvia Foreign Minister Māris Riekstiņš condemned Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Stating that "(S)uch 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".
 Lithuania Lithuania's Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas said that Russia's decision to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia was a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
 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".
 Mexico The Government of Mexico 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.
 Moldova Faced with its own breakaway region, Transnistria, the Government of Moldova released a statement saying it would not recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Commonwealth of Independent States CIS member state
 Netherlands 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".
 New Zealand On 11 August New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark released a statement saying "We urge all parties to continue to discuss and seek to resolve this matter through the good offices of the United Nations".
 Norway Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre 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".
 Panama Ricardo Alberto Arias, 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. United Nations Non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of Russia's recognition
 Poland Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called for respect for Georgia's territorial integrity. 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.
 Portugal The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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 Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe".
 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".
 Saudi Arabia During a meeting with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin the Secretary of the Saudi National Security Council Prince Abdel Aziz Al Saud told that King Abdullah and the whole leadership of the country had full understanding for the actions of the Russian side in South Ossetia, but didn't back Russia's recognition policy explicitly.
 Serbia 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". 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. Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković said that the crisis in Georgia is the result of a "domino effect" following Kosovo's declaration of independence.
On September 3, President Boris Tadić reiterated the position of Serbia by saying that "Serbia is not going to recognise these so-called new countries."
 Slovakia A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Slovakia "disapproves of these steps and confirms the main principles, based on the longstanding 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 Slovak government, as one of few EU member states, can insist on the principle of the territorial integrity of Georgia, as it has done also in the case of Serbia and Kosovo".
 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 Mirek Topolánek and Ivars Godmanis.
 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". United Nations Non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of Russia's recognition
 Spain Foreign Minister 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.
 Sudan 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 ICJ.
 Sweden Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs 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". 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".
 Switzerland The Government of Switzerland spokesman stated "Switzerland regrets that a solution has not yet been found that meets the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Accords and the Charter of Paris and went on to say that the government has not yet discussed the issue of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
 Turkey A Foreign Ministry 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".
 Ukraine Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Grigoriy Nemirya stated that Kiev took an unchangeable and principal position to support Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling the recognition a "gross violation of norms and principles of the international law, bilateral and multilateral agreements, in particular the United Nations Charter 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. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Arseniy Yatsenyuk said "only the United Nations can rule on this question. This is factually a violation of international law".
President Viktor Yushchenko stressed that Ukraine does not support the decision of Russia to recognise the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. "We are sorry about adoption of such a decision. For Ukraine it is unacceptable therefore we cannot support the position."
 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". 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 G7 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, OECD and WTO, you must accept that with rights and responsibilities". Brown said that Russia "cannot pick and choose which rules to adhere to." United Nations Permanent member of the UNSC
 United States President George W. Bush condemned the actions taken by Russia and called on them to "reconsider this irresponsible decision." Bush then stated that "n 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." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also said the decision made by Russia was "regrettable" and further stated that "ince the United States is a permanent member of the Security Council this simply will be dead on arrival in the Security Council." United Nations Permanent member of the UNSC
 Vietnam 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". United Nations Non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of Russia's recognition

Other Entities

Recognition

Entity Date of recognition Notes
Abkhazia Abkhazia
South Ossetia South Ossetia
Transnistria		 17 November 2006 Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria mutually recognise each other.

Supportive of Russia's Recognition

Entity Notes
 Nagorno-Karabakh Republic 28 August 2008 Bako Sahakyan, President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, welcomed the recognition to Abkhazia and South Ossetia on 28 August 2008.
Hamas On 26 August 2008 a spokesman for the Palestinian group Hamas 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".
 Northern Cyprus President of Northern Cyprus 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.

Non-recognition

Entity Notes
 Kosovo President of Kosovo 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.

International governmental organisations

International organisation Notes
Collective Security Treaty Organisation On 3 September, The CSTO member countries supported Russia's stance on the events in the caucuses in a collective statement. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, "It 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." The member states also backed a Russian proposal to impose an arms embargo on Georgia.

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." 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.

Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha stated at a press conference in Yerevan that the present situation is "driving Abkhazia and South Ossetia into the collective security system", and further stated his belief that "South Ossetia and Abkhazia can not successfully and steadily develop without a collective security system, without the backing of other states."

Council of Europe Secretary General 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".
European Commission The EU's executive arm issued a statement, which said it "fully shares and supports" the EU French presidency's statement on the Russian act.
 European Union 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.
G7 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 G8 member. The statement said, "Russia’s decision has called into question its commitment to peace and security in the Caucasus." The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded stating that the statement justified Georgia's aggression 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.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer 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".
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb 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".
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). The Hindu reported that Russia has gained crucial support from the People's Republic of China and other member states in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. 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. Western sources added that the SCO called for respect for every country's territorial integrity, stating, "The participants 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". 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".
Union of Russia and Belarus On 4 August 2008 Pavel Borodin, State Secretary of the Union of Russia and Belarus, told the radio station Ekho Moskvy that he supported Russia and that South Ossetia and Abkhazia could be accepted into the Union before the end of 2008.
 United Nations UN Secretary General 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".

Other non-states or organisations

Entity Notes
Autonomous Republic of Crimea Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Mustafa Cemilev, the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People stated that recognition by Russia was a dangerous precedent, even for Russia itself, since there are many pro-independence moves inside the Russian Federation, including movements in Chechnya, Tatarstan and Bashkortostan. He expressed misgiving that the same situation could be repeated by Russia in Crimea (an autonomous republic within Ukraine) if Ukrainian authorities continue to be only a spectator.

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See also

Categories: