International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia: Difference between revisions

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Line 10: {{Further\|History of Abkhazia\|History of South Ossetia}} South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia during the [[1991–1992 South Ossetia War]] on 29 May 1992, with [[Constitution of South Ossetia\|its Constitution]] referring to the "Republic of South Ossetia".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://cominf.org/2004/10/15/konstituciya_respubliki_yuzhnaya_osetiya.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915084537/http://cominf.org/2004/10/15/konstituciya_respubliki_yuzhnaya_osetiya.html\|url-status=dead\|title=Constitution of South Ossetia\|archive-date=15 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ruvek.ru/russia-politics-independence.html \|title=Абхазия и Южная Осетия требуют независимости \|access-date=2008-11-18 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901184259/http://ruvek.ru/russia-politics-independence.html \|archive-date=1 September 2008 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book \|others=Robert H. Donaldson, Joseph L. Nogee \|title=The Foreign Policy of Russia: Changing Systems, Enduring Interests \|year=2005 \|publisher=M.E. Sharpe \|isbn=978-0-7656-1568-8 \|page=199}}</ref> Abkhazia declared its independence after its war with Georgia in 1992–1993.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2012-05-23 \|title=Abkhazia profile \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18175030 \|access-date=2024-03-22 \|work=BBC News \|language=en-GB}}</ref> Its [[Constitution of Abkhazia\|Constitution]] was adopted on 26 November 1994.<ref>[http://www.abkhaziagov.org/ru/state/sovereignty Constitution of Abkhazia] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118213155/http://www.abkhaziagov.org/ru/state/sovereignty \|date=18 January 2009 }} (in Russian)</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://community-dpr.org/about_country/abhazia.php \|title=Абхазия \|access-date=2008-11-18 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208205347/http://www.community-dpr.org/about_country/abhazia.php \|archive-date=8 December 2008 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> ~~=== Developments in 2008 ===~~ In April 2008, the [[United Nations Security Council]] unanimously passed ''[[United Nations resolutions on Abkhazia\|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 [[Abkhaz–Georgian conflict]] only by peaceful means and within the framework of the Security Council resolutions."<ref>{{cite news\|title=Resolution 1808: The situation in Georgia\|publisher=[[United Nations Security Council]]\|date=15 April 2008\|url=http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/1808\|access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Security Council Extends Mandate Of Georgia Observer Mission Until 15 October, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 1808 (2008)\|publisher=[[United Nations]]\|date=15 April 2008\| url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/sc9299.doc.htm\|access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref> 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 combined South Ossetian, Abkhaz and Russian victory and the expulsion of the Georgian military from both territories. === Russia's recognition === [[File:Dmitry Medvedev address on 26 August 2008 regarding Abkhazia & South Ossetia.ogg\|thumb\|right\|President Medvedev announcing that he has signed decrees recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (in Russian). [https://web.archive.org/web/20080902001442/http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2008/08/26/1543_type82912_205752.shtml Transcript in English].]] After hearing the aforementioned appeals from both the Abkhazian and South Ossetian leadership, on 25 August 2008, the Federation Council and [[State Duma]] passed motions calling upon President Dmitry Medvedev to recognise the independence of both states and establish [[diplomatic relations]]. On 26 August 2008, [[President of Russia\|President]] Medvedev signed [[Decree of the President of Russia\|decrees]] recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as sovereign states,<ref>''The New York Times'', 26 August 2008: "[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/world/europe/27russia.html?hp Russia Backs Independence of Georgian Enclaves]" by Clifford J. Levy.</ref> Line 24 ⟶ 21: 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. [[President of Nicaragua\|President]] [[Daniel Ortega]] announced that his government "recognises the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and fully supports the Russian government's position."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.unpo.org/content/view/8624/236/\|title=UNPO: Abkhazia: Russia Welcomes Nicaragua's Recognition Of South Ossetia And Abkhazia\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> 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, documents to this effect were signed for 10 years with an option to extend the deal automatically.<ref>[http://www.rbcnews.com/free/20081124163142.shtml RBC News].</ref> ==== Georgia's response ==== Georgian [[President of Georgia\|President]] [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] considered Russia's move as an attempt to alter the borders of Europe by force. Below are some excerpts from his statement:<ref>{{in lang\|ru}} [http://www.newsgeorgia.ru/geo1/20080826/42318993.html Михаил Саакашвили назвал действия России в отношении Грузии "силовой попыткой изменить границы внутри Европы] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912212352/http://www.newsgeorgia.ru/geo1/20080826/42318993.html \|date=12 September 2008 }}</ref> Line 41 ⟶ 38: It is officially illegal under Georgian law to enter South Ossetia or Abkhazia through Russia, without permission from Georgia; it is possible to travel through Georgian territory to Abkhazia, though as Georgia cannot assure the safety inside the disputed territories, going to either Abkhazia or South Ossetia is not recommended by the Georgian government.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.georgianjournal.ge/society/34425-another-citizen-of-georgia-kidnapped-near-occupation-line-of-tskhinvali-alarming-statistics-of-2018.html\|title=Another citizen of Georgia kidnapped near occupation line of Tskhinvali – Alarming statistics of 2018\|website=GeorgianJournal\|access-date=2019-06-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://civil.ge/archives/tag/archil-tatunashvili\|title=Archil Tatunashvili Archives\|website=Civil.ge\|language=en\|access-date=2019-06-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://agenda.ge/en/news/2019/503\|title=One year since the brutal murder of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili by occupying forces\|website=Agenda.ge\|access-date=2019-06-22}}</ref> It is not possible for foreigners to enter South Ossetia from Georgian controlled territory, as the South Ossetian de facto authorities do not facilitate nor allow this.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://mfa.rsogov.org/en/node/1398\|title=Entry procedures for foreign citizens arriving to the Republic of South Ossetia\|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of South Ossetia\|language=en\|access-date=2022-01-28}}</ref> ==== Western response ==== The [[European Union]], [[NATO]],<ref>[http://www.nato.int/issues/nato-georgia/index.html NATO's relations with Georgia] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905234828/http://www.nato.int/issues/nato-georgia/index.html \|date=5 September 2008 }} NATO 2 September 2008.</ref> the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe\|OSCE]],<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://old.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19296\|title=OSCE Chair Condemns Russia's Recognition of Abkhazia, S.Ossetia\|author=Civil Georgia\|date=26 August 2008\|access-date=22 January 2022}}</ref> and the [[United States]]<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7597336.stm US condemns Russia over Georgia] BBC 4 September 2008</ref> immediately voiced displeasure with Russia's decision. ===Developments since 2008=== ~~=== States formally recognising Abkhazia or South Ossetia as independent ===~~ After the Russian recognition, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu soon followed suit and recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. However, in 2013 and 2014, Vanuatu and Tuvalue have scrapped their recognition. Russia has invested a significant money in diplomatic strategy to promote recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and display its soft power.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Oliver Bullough\|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/117238/tuvalu-bruises-russia-establishing-diplomatic-ties-georgia\|title=This Tiny Pacific Island Nation Just Gave Russia a Big Bruise\|website=The New Republic\|date=2 April 2014}}</ref> However, Russia seems to have stopped investing in the recognition project after 2014. One of the possible reasons might be worsening of the financial situation in Russia following the [[Russo-Ukrainian War\|growing war in Ukraine]] and [[International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War\|Western sanctions on Russia]]. Abkhazia has started a new campaign to strengthen the relations with the foreign countries and present itself as an independent actor. Abkhaz officials have visited a number of countries, including China, Italy, Turkey and Israel. They have also met with the officials from South Africa, Jordan and El Salvador, and sent diplomatic notes to other countries, such as Egypt, France, Guatemala and Sri Lanka. This campaign reached its peak in 2017, but subsequently decreased and largely halted with the beginning of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/08/29/abkhazias-cold-relationship-with-central-asia/\|title=Abkhazia’s cold relationship with Central Asia\|website=New Eeastern Europe\|date=29 August 2022}}</ref> [[Syria]] remains the only country which has recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia since 2009.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://civil.ge/archives/242795\|title= Syria Recognizes Abkhazia, South Ossetia \|website=Civil Georgia\|date=29 May 2018}}</ref> ~~==== UN member states ====~~ == States formally recognising Abkhazia or South Ossetia as independent == ===UN members=== {\| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;" \|- Line 55: \| 2 \|\| {{NIC}} \|\| 5 September 2008<ref>[http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni/publicaciones/r_abjasia.pdf El Presidente de la República Nicaragua Decreto No. 47-2008] [https://web.archive.org/web/20080909232312/http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni/publicaciones/r_abjasia.pdf webcitation.org/5ajFHstLY Archived] by [[WebCite]].</ref><ref>[http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni/publicaciones/r_osetia_s.pdf El Presidente de la República Nicaragua Decreto No. 46-2008] [https://web.archive.org/web/20080909234535/http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni/publicaciones/r_osetia_s.pdf webcitation.org/5ajFTB665 Archived] by [[WebCite]].</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.newsru.com/arch/world/05sep2008/nika.html\|title=Новости NEWSru.com: Южную Осетию и Абхазию в Никарагуа признали официально: подписаны все документы\|date=5 September 2008\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> \|\| 10 September 2009 (Abkhazia)<ref>[http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=14319871&PageNum=0 Nicaragua, Abkhazia establish diplomatic relations] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914081424/http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=14319871&PageNum=0 \|date=14 September 2009 }}, "Itar-Tass", 11 September 2009, 07.37</ref> <br /> 14 April 2010 (South Ossetia){{cn\|date=January 2023}} \|\|{{Main\|Abkhazia–Nicaragua relations\|Nicaragua–South Ossetia relations}} The Ambassador of Nicaragua to Abkhazia resides in Moscow.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/embassies/#EmbNicaragua \|title=Emassies in Abkhazia \|website=www.mfaabkhazia.net \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109072053/http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/embassies \|archive-date=9 January 2011 }}</ref><br />The South Ossetian Embassy in Managua was opened on 30 August 2011.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://pik.tv/en/news/story/17726-south-ossetia-opens-a-home-office-embassy \|title=South Ossetia Opens Home-Office Embassy - Kanal PIK TV \|access-date=2011-09-19 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121140537/http://pik.tv/en/news/story/17726-south-ossetia-opens-a-home-office-embassy \|archive-date=21 January 2012 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref>><br /> In 2022, an Abkhaz Embassy in Nicaragua was established. Until then, Abkhazia was represented in Nicaragua via its Ambassador in Caracas.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/othernews/inar-ladariya-vruchil-kopii-veritelnykh-gramot-ministru-inostrannykh-del-nikaragua-denisu-monkada/?sphrase_id=76964 \|title=Inar Ladaria presented copies of his credentials to Denis Moncada, Nicaraguan Foreign Minister \|access-date=2022-03-17 \|work=[[Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia\|Foreign Ministry of Abkhazia]] \|date=17 February 2022 }}</ref> \|- \| 3 \|\| {{VEN}} \|\| 10 September 2009<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.rian.ru/world/20090910/184455246.html\|title=Венесуэла признает Южную Осетию и Абхазию – Чавес\|website=РИА Новости\|date=10 September 2009\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> \|\| 9 July 2010 (South Ossetia)<br />12 July 2010 (Abkhazia)<ref>MPRR [https://web.archive.org/web/20100715205933/http://www.mre.gov.ve/index.php?view=article&catid=13%3Avenezuela-en-europa&id=4118%3Aembajador-venezolano-presento-carta-credenciales-al-presidente-de-osetia-del-sur&format=pdf&option=com_content&Itemid=259] (PDF)</ref><ref>MPRR: Embajador de Abjasia presentó copia de estilo ante autoridades venezolanas [https://web.archive.org/web/20110716154732/http://www.mre.gov.ve/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4203:embajador-de-abjasia-presento-copia-de-estilo-ante-autoridades-venezolanas-&catid=2:actualidad&Itemid=44]</ref>\|\|{{Main\|Abkhazia–Venezuela relations\|South Ossetia–Venezuela relations}} 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 America]]n nations such as [[Paraguay]], [[Uruguay]], [[Cuba]], [[Bolivia]], [[Ecuador]], [[Brazil]] and [[Argentina]]."<ref>[https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5j5CVqkmbzjjuDV76Yvmoijq3p2WA ]{{dead link\|date=~~July~~June ~~2021~~2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}} </ref><br />Ambassador of Venezuela [[Hugo José García Hernández]] presented his credentials to Abkhaz President Sergey Bagapsh on 12 July 2010."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.abkhaziagov.org/en/news/detail.php?ID%3D32473 \|title=Archived copy \|access-date=2010-08-04 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211210735/http://www.abkhaziagov.org/en/news/detail.php?ID=32473 \|archive-date=11 February 2012 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref><br /> An Embassy of Abkhazia to Venezuela was opened on 12 July 2010.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://emb-abjasia.com/\|title=Emb-abjasia.com – Sitio oficial de la Embajada de la República de Abjasia en Venezuela\|access-date=8 October 2020}}</ref><br /> \|- \| 4 \|\| {{NRU}} \|\| 15 December 2009 (Abkhazia)<br />16 December 2009 (South Ossetia)<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-44730620091215\|title=Pacific island recognises Georgian rebel region\|work=[[Reuters]]\|date=15 December 2009\|access-date=15 December 2009}}</ref>\|\|15 December 2009 (Abkhazia)<br />16 December 2009 (South Ossetia)<ref>[http://grani.ru/Politics/World/Europe/Georgia/m.172210.html Науру признало Южную Осетию]. – Грани.ру, 16 December 2009</ref>\|\|{{Main\|Abkhazia–Nauru relations}} Representatives of Nauru were present as observers for the [[2011 Abkhazian presidential election\|presidential elections in Abkhazia]] on 26 August 2011.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bakutoday.net/representatives-of-nauru-will-be-observers-at-presidential-elections-in-abkhazia.html\|title=Representatives of Nauru will be observers at presidential elections in Abkhazia\|access-date=2011-09-19\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325211536/http://www.bakutoday.net/representatives-of-nauru-will-be-observers-at-presidential-elections-in-abkhazia.html\|archive-date=25 March 2012\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2018, the president of South Ossetia appointed a [[Honorary consul\|representative]] for Nauru.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/348899/new-zealander-to-represent-south-ossetia-in-nauru\|title=New Zealander to represent South Ossetia in Nauru\|work=[[Radio New Zealand]]\|date=25 January 2018\|access-date=25 January 2018}}</ref> Line 65: \|- \| 5 \|\| {{SYR}} \|\| 29 May 2018 \|\| 22 July 2018<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/37419-syria-south-ossetia-sign-agreement-on-establishing-diplomatic-ties \|title=Syria, South Ossetia Sign Agreement on Establishing Diplomatic Ties \|website=Syria Times \|date=22 July 2018 \|access-date=22 July 2018 \|archive-date=25 July 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725180744/http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/37419-syria-south-ossetia-sign-agreement-on-establishing-diplomatic-ties \|url-status=dead }}</ref>\|\| {{Main\|Abkhazia–Syria relations}} In 2015, the Abkhaz Foreign Minister Viacheslav Chirikba met the Syrian Ambassador to Russia, Riad Haddad, in Moscow and the two diplomats discussed bilateral relations. Chirikba said afterwards that "there was great interest by both parties to strengthening and deepening Syrian-Abkhaz relations. Will this lead in the end to Syria's recognition of Abkhazia [independence]? I think anything's possible, but this of course is the sovereign decision of the Syrian side."{{citation needed\|date=November 2020}} In May 2018, the Syrian government recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://agenda.ge/news/101503/eng\|title=Syria recognises independence of Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia \|author=Agenda.ge\|date=29 May 2018\|access-date=29 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=139109\|title=Syria, Abkhazia, Ossetia agree to exchange recognition, set up Embassy-level diplomatic relations\|author=SANA\|newspaper=Syrian Arab News Agency\|date=29 May 2018\|access-date=29 May 2018}}</ref> In October 2020, the Abkhazia government ~~inaugurate~~inaugurated Embassy chancery to the Damascus, Syria.{{cn\|date=April 2024}} \|} Line 77: \|- \| 2 \|\| {{flag\|Transnistria\|state}} \|\| 22 January 1993 or before (Abkhazia)<ref name=asotrecog group=note/><br />12 October 1994 or before (South Ossetia)<ref name=asotrecog group=note/> \|\| — \|\|{{Main\|Abkhazia–Transnistria relations}} Transnistria, Abkhazia and South Ossetia mutually recognise each other.<ref name="Newsru"/> <br />Representative offices of Transnistria in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have been opened.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://rso.mid.gospmr.org/ \|script-title=ru:Представительство Приднестровской Молдавской Республики в Республике Южная Осетия \|website=Representative office of Transnistria in South Ossetia\|language=ru\| access-date=13 April 2016}}</ref><br />Representative offices of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Tiraspol have been opened. \|- \| 3 \|\| {{flag\|Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic}} \|\| 30 September 2010 (South Ossetia)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120203033932/http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20044&Itemid=65 Semi-Recognized Western Sahara to Recognize South Ossetia] // Georgian Daily, 29 September 2010</ref><ref name="eurasianet.org"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141204132824/http://www.regnum.ru/news/polit/1330361.html ПОЛИСАРИО: "Западная Сахара признает независимость и суверенитет Южной Осетии"] // Regnum, 29 September 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/174945/ Константин Кочиев: независимость Южной Осетии признает Западная Сахара] // Кавказский Узел, 30 September 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.newsru.com/world/30sep2010/priznanie.html Независимость Южной Осетии признала непризнанная Западная Сахара, на очереди – Алжир] // NEWSru.com, 30 September 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.rosbalt.ru/exussr/2010/09/30/776563.html Грузия: Непризнанная Западная Сахара признала Цхинвал] // Росбалт, 30 September 2010</ref> \|\| — \|\| [[De facto]] recognition.<br /> 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".<ref name="eurasianet.org">{{cite news\|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/62041\|title=Semi-Recognized Western Sahara to Recognize South Ossetia\|newspaper=Eurasianet\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> The two states have had various formal and informal contacts.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://mfa.rsogov.org/en/node/248\|title=Greetings of the Republic of South Ossetia Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Sahara Arab Democratic Republic on the occasion of 35 anniversary of the Declaration of Independence Day of SADR {{!}} Министерство иностранных дел\|website=mfa.rsogov.org\|language=en\|access-date=2023-01-19}}</ref> In 2019, the Abkhaz Ambassador in Venezuela met with the Ambassador of the SADR in the same country.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Заур Гваджава принял участие в церемонии празднования Дня Африки \|url=http://mfaapsny.org/ru/allnews/news/embassies/zaur-gvadzhava-prinyal-uchastie-v-tseremonii-prazdnovaniya-dnya-afriki/ \|access-date=2022-01-31 \|website=mfaapsny.org \|language=ru}}</ref> \|} ==== Former partially recognized states ==== {\| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;" \|- ! !! style="width:175px;"\| [[Polity\|Entity]] !! [[Diplomatic recognition\|Date of recognition]] !! [[Diplomatic relations]] established !! Notes \|- \|1 \|{{flag\|Donetsk People's Republic}} \|27 June 2014 (South Ossetia) 25 February 2022 (from Abkhazia) and 9 March 2022 (reciprocal recognition from DPR) \|12 May 2015 (South Ossetia) 9 March 2022 (Abkhazia) \|After receiving South Ossetian recognition in 2014, the Donetsk People's Republic reciprocated recognition and additionally recognized Abkhazia on 11 May 2015.<ref name="DPR">{{cite web \|title=Ukrainian separatists recognize Abkhazia, South Ossetia, 13 May 2015 \|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/185417/ukrainian-separatists-recognize-abkhazia-south-ossetia.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100442/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/185417/ukrainian-separatists-recognize-abkhazia-south-ossetia.html \|archive-date=18 May 2015 \|access-date=2015-05-13 \|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 22 February 2022, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia\|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] published a statement welcoming the recognition of independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics by Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]]. On 25 February 2022 [[President of Abkhazia\|President]] [[Aslan Bzhania]] announced the recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. Russia [[Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts\|annexed]] the DPR on 30 September 2022. The annexation is [[International recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic\|internationally unrecognised]]. \|- \| 2 \|\| {{flag\|Luhansk People's Republic}} \|\| 18 June 2014 (South Ossetia)<br />25 February 2022 (from Abkhazia) and 10 March 2022 (reciprocal recognition from LPR)<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://apsnypress.info/ru/item/7005-luganskaya-narodnaya-respublika-priznala-suverenitet-i-nezavisimost-respubliki-abkhaziya \|title=Апсныпресс - Луганская Народная Республика Признала Суверенитет И Независимость Республики Абхазия \|publisher=Apsnypress.info \|date= \|accessdate=2022-03-16}}</ref>\|\| 28 January 2015 (South Ossetia)<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/luhansk-people-s-republic-recognizes-south-ossetia/515072.html \|title=Luhansk People's Republic Recognizes South Ossetia \| News \| the Moscow Times \|website=www.themoscowtimes.com \|access-date=19 April 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715102008/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/luhansk-people-s-republic-recognizes-south-ossetia/515072.html \|archive-date=15 July 2015 \|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />10 March 2022 (Abkhazia)<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://apsnypress.info/ru/item/7007-respublika-abkhaziya-i-luganskaya-narodnaya-respublika-ustanovili-diplomaticheskie-otnosheniya \|title=Апсныпресс - Абхазия И Луганская Народная Республика Установили Дипломатические Отношения \|publisher=Apsnypress.info \|date= \|accessdate=2022-03-16}}</ref>\|\| After receiving diplomatic recognition from South Ossetia in 2014, the [[Luhansk People's Republic]] (LPR) reciprocated recognition on 28 January 2015.<ref name="LPRA">{{cite web \|title=Luhansk People's Republic Recognizes South Ossetia – News \|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/luhansk-people-s-republic-recognizes-south-ossetia/515072.html \|access-date=5 April 2016 \|website=The Moscow Times}}</ref> <br />In April 2015, South Ossetia opened the first foreign embassy in Luhansk.<ref>{{cite web \|author=Vadim Dyakonov \|title=The Embassy of South Ossetia opened in LNR \|url=http://osetia.info/news/2015/04/17/00-31/ \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323023824/http://osetia.info/news/2015/04/17/00-31/ \|archive-date=23 March 2016 \|access-date=5 April 2016 \|website=«15-th REGION» \|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 22 February 2022, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia\|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] published a statement welcoming the recognition of independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics by Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]]. On 25 February 2022 [[President of Abkhazia\|President]] [[Aslan Bzhania]] announced the recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. On 10 March 2022 the LPR recognized Abkhazia's independence.<ref>{{cite web \|date=10 March 2022 \|title=Luhansk Recognizes Abkhazia \|url=https://civil.ge/archives/478282 \|access-date=10 March 2022 \|website=Civil Georgia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|date=10 March 2022 \|title=Заявление главы ЛНР Леонида Пасечника (Statement by head of the LPR Leonid Pasechnik) \|url=https://lug-info.com/news/zayavlenie-glavy-lnr-leonida-pasechnika-7 \|access-date=10 March 2022 \|website=Lugansk Information Center}}</ref> Russia [[Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts\|annexed]] the LPR on 30 September 2022. The annexation is [[International recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic\|internationally unrecognised]]. \|- \| 3 \|\| {{flagicon\|Nagorno-Karabakh Republic}} [[Republic of Artsakh]] \|\| 17 November 2006<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.abjasia.org/recognition.html\|title=Cтраны, признавшие независимость Республики Абхазия\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218144841/http://www.abjasia.org/recognition.html\|archive-date=18 February 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> \|\| — \|\| Republic of Artsakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia mutually recognise each other.<ref name="NKRrecognition">[http://ararat-online.ru/news/984-2025-vice-spiker-parlamenta-abxazii-vybory-v-nkr-sootvetstvuyut-vsem-mezhdunarodnym-standartam.html ''Вице-спикер парламента Абхазии: Выборы в НКР соответствуют всем международным стандартам'']: "Абхазия, Южная Осетия, НКР и Приднестровье уже давно признали независимость друг друга и очень тесно сотрудничают между собой", – сказал вице-спикер парламента Абхазии. ... "...Абхазия признала независимость Нагорно-Карабахской Республики..." – сказал он."</ref> On 12 February 2010 it was announced that it is expected to establish diplomatic relations with Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://abkhasia.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/166218/\|title=Кавказский Узел – Атанесян: Нагорный Карабах фактически признал независимость Абхазии\|website=Кавказский Узел\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> Artsakh had ceased to exist in 1 January 2024. \|} === States that recognised Abkhazia or South Ossetia as independent, but subsequently withdrew recognition === ==== UN member states ==== {\| class="wikitable sortable" Line 106 ⟶ 143: On 14 March 2019 Vanuatu Foreign Minister [[Ralph Regenvanu]] met with his Georgian counterpart [[David Zalkaliani]] in Tbilisi.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Davit Zalkaliani: We highly appreciate the strong support of the Vanuatu Government for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders\|url=https://mfa.gov.ge/News/davit-zalkaliani-chven-uagresad-vafasebt-vanuatus.aspx\|access-date=2022-09-05\|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Georgia\|date=2019-03-14\|language=ka\|archive-date=9 April 2022\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409225359/https://mfa.gov.ge/News/davit-zalkaliani-chven-uagresad-vafasebt-vanuatus.aspx\|url-status=dead}}</ref> While both sides committed to deepen bilateral ties, Regenvanu "confirmed Vanuatu's support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity", according to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<ref name=vanuatu19a>{{cite news\|title=Foreign Ministers of Georgia, Vanuatu Pledge to Deepen Ties\|url=https://civil.ge/archives/279338\|date=2019-03-14\|access-date=2022-09-05\|work=Civil Georgia}}</ref> Zalkaliani commented "We are grateful that the Republic of Vanuatu is consistent in pursuing the non-recognition policy of the so-called independence of Georgia's occupied regions, in full compliance with fundamental norms and principles of international law". The following day Regenvanu visited the conflict line<ref>{{cite news\|title=Foreign Ministers of Georgia, Vanuatu Pledge to Deepen Ties\|url=http://gtarchive.georgiatoday.ge/news/14846/Vanuatu-Foreign-Minister-Visits-Occupation-Line\|date=2019-03-15\|access-date=2022-09-05\|work=Georgia Today}}</ref> and a Memorandum of Co-operation was signed between the two sides. While at the conflict line, Regenvanu said: "Vanuatu has always recognized the territorial integrity of Georgia. In 2011 we had a minister who expressed a different position. In my opinion, he was influenced by certain individuals and recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. His decision was not an official position of the state".<ref name=vanuatu19b>{{cite news\|title=Vanuatu Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Foreign Trade Visits Village Near Occupation Line\|url=https://mfa.gov.ge/News/vanuatus-sagareo-saqmeta,-saertashorio-tanamshroml.aspx\|date=2019-03-15\|access-date=2022-09-05\|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Georgia\|language=ka\|archive-date=16 August 2022\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816035938/https://mfa.gov.ge/News/vanuatus-sagareo-saqmeta,-saertashorio-tanamshroml.aspx\|url-status=dead}}</ref> \|} == States that do not recognise Abkhazia or South Ossetia as independent == === UN member states === {\| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" \|- ! style="width:175px;"\|[[Sovereign state\|State]] !! Position \|- \|{{flagdeco\|Afghanistan\|Taliban}} [[Afghanistan]]\|\| Neither the [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan\|Islamic Republic]] nor the [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan]] has recognized Abkhazia or South Ossetia. Nevertheless, a delegation of the Islamic Emirate visited Abkhazia in February 2023 and met with the foreign minister.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://twitter.com/AbkhaziaP/status/1624040066669596676\|title=Minister of Foreign Affairs of #Abkhazia Inal Ardzinba held a meeting with the delegation of the Embassy of #Afghanistan in #Russia\|access-date=13 February 2023}}</ref> \|- \|{{ALB}} \|\| The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Albania)\|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 [[Kosovo]], claiming Kosovo to be a ''special case''.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/28/content_9731391.htm\|title=Albania condemns Russia's recognition of Georgian breakaway regions_English_Xinhua\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055226/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/28/content_9731391.htm\|archive-date=4 March 2016\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> \|- \|{{ATG}} \|\| The [[Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda]] [[Baldwin Spencer (politician)\|Baldwin Spencer]] held talks in May 2012 with Irakli Khintba, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, regarding that country's desire to obtain official recognition from Antigua and Barbuda. Baldwin Spencer pledged to continue dialogue on the issue with Abkhazian officials.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ab.gov.ag/article_details.php?id=3093&category=38\|title=Prime Minister Spencer in talks with officials of the Republic of Abkhazia\|publisher=[[Government of Antigua and Barbuda]]\|date=28 May 2012\|access-date=27 March 2013\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514053356/http://www.ab.gov.ag/article_details.php?id=3093&category=38\|archive-date=14 May 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2022, the Abkhaz foreign minister had a telephone conversation with [[Paul Chet Greene]], the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration of Antigua and Barbuda.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/othernews/sostoyalsya-telefonnyy-razgovor-ministra-inostrannykh-del-respubliki-abkhaziya-i-ardzinba-s-ministro/\|title=Inal Ardzinba, Foreign Minister of Abkhazia had a telephone conversation with Paul Chet Greene, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration of Antigua and Barbuda\|publisher=Abkhaz Foreign Ministry\|date=30 June 2022\|access-date=6 July 2022}}</ref> \|- \| {{ARG}} \|\| In 2008, [[Argentina\|Argentinian]] [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship\|Foreign Minister]] [[Jorge Taiana]] ruled out that Argentina would recognize Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's independence.<ref name="auto">{{cite news\|title=Argentina rules out recognition \|location=[[Buenos Aires]] \|publisher=[[B92]] \|date=29 February 2008 \|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=02&dd=29&nav_id=48079 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915040702/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=02&dd=29&nav_id=48079 \|archive-date=15 September 2008 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> Nevertheless, the Abkhaz foreign minister [[Maxim Gvinjia]] said in 2010 that Abkhazia hoped to establish diplomatic relations with Argentina. Abkhazia even planned to open an embassy in [[Buenos Aires]].<ref>{{cite news\|title=Abkhazia is interested in establishing diplomatic relations with Argentina\|publisher=Abkhaz World \|date=27 February 2010 \|url=https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/377-abkhazia-argentina-feb26 }}</ref> Even without recognition, South Ossetia has an unofficial representative in Argentina.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Окончательная экспансия Грузии со стороны Турции – вопрос времени. Дмитрий Медоев \|publisher=24news.am \|date=31 August 2020 \|url=https://www.24news.am/ru/news/118909 }}</ref> \|- \|{{ARM}} \|\| In 2008, President [[Serzh Sargsyan]] (in office 2008–2018) 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]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2008/09/E5FDD453-D06C-4C03-B625-2C741767F725.ASP\|title=Armenia Rules Out Abkhazia, South Ossetia Recognition\|website=«Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան\|access-date=5 April 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081109035814/http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2008/09/E5FDD453-D06C-4C03-B625-2C741767F725.ASP\|archive-date=9 November 2008\|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Tigran Balayan]], Head of the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Armenia)\|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".<ref>[http://www.armeniaforeignministry.com/pr_08/080827_balayan.html Answer of Tigran Balayan, Head of MFA's Press Office to the questions by Regnum News Agency] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213220755/http://www.armeniaforeignministry.com/pr_08/080827_balayan.html \|date=13 February 2012 }}, Regnum News, 27 August 2008</ref> In 2016, Sargsyan met with then Vice-Foreign Minister of Abkhazia Kan Tania.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://abkhazeti.info/abkhazia/2014/1472854775.php\|title=Президент Армении встретился с представителями абхазского режима\|website=Наша Абхазия\|access-date=28 July 2022}}</ref> In 2023, President [[Nikol Pashinyan]] stated that Armenia fully respects and acknowledges Georgia's territorial integrity and considers Abkhazia and South Ossetia as Georgian territories.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.ekhokavkaza.com/a/32698702.html\|title=Армения полноценно признает территориальную целостность Грузии – Пашинян\|website=Эхо Кавказа\|date=24 November 2023}}</ref> For the first time, in 2024, Armenia voted in favor of the Georgia resolution at the [[United Nations]] which would United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to reiterate the right of return of all displaced persons and refugees to Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and support Georgia’s territorial integrity.<ref> https://civil.ge/archives/611464/amp</ref> \|- \|{{AUS}} \|\| [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Australia)\|Foreign Minister]] [[Stephen Smith (Australian politician)\|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".<ref name="news1">{{cite web\|url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24250202-29277,00.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916005131/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C24250202-29277%2C00.html\|url-status=dead\|title=Smith not impressed by Russian stance\|archive-date=16 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/27/2348052.htm?section=australia\|title=Smith to hold talks with Russia over rebel provinces\|website=ABC News\|date=27 August 2008\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> \|- \|{{AUT}} \|\| [[Foreign Minister of 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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6735&Itemid=65\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827220114/http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6735&Itemid=65\|url-status=dead\|title=GeorgianDaily Forum\|archive-date=27 August 2008\|website=georgiandaily.com}}</ref> \|- \|{{AZE}} \|\| On 9 December 1994, the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Azerbaijan)\|Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan]] announced that the unilateral decision of sovereignty by the Abkhazian Supreme Soviet was "a flagrant violation" and that "it is in contrast with the peace negotiations and creates new serious threats in the region".<ref>{{cite book \|author1=Zbigniew Brzezinski \|author2= Paige Bryan Sullivan \|author3=Paige Sullivan \|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Russia_and_the_Commonwealth_of_Independe/Vt5OLD3vp4UC\|title=Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States: Documents, Data, and Analysis\|date=1997 \|publisher=M.E. Sharpe\|isbn=9780585027005\|page=592}}</ref> On 27 August 2008, [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Azerbaijan)\|Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry]] spokesman [[Khazar Ibrahim]] stated, "Azerbaijan's position remains unchanged. We recognise Georgia's territorial integrity".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.today.az/news/politics/47215.html\|title=Today.Az – Khazar Ibrahim: "Azerbaijan's position remains unchanged, we recognize Georgia's territorial integrity"\|access-date=5 April 2016\|archive-date=18 January 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118151244/http://www.today.az/news/politics/47215.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> \|- \|{{BLR}} \|\| {{Main\|Foreign relations of Abkhazia#Belarus}} 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. [[President of Belarus\|President]] [[Alexander Lukashenko]] 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."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/29/content_9731534.htm\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831030310/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/29/content_9731534.htm\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=31 August 2008\|title=Diplomat: Belarus to recognize Abkhazia, South Ossetia soon_English_Xinhua\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{in lang\|is}}[http://www.visir.is/article/20080828/FRETTIR02/802126501/0/leit&SearchID=73328674313934 Hvíta Rússland viðurkennir aðskilnaðarhéruðin] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902190114/http://www.visir.is/article/20080828/FRETTIR02/802126501/0/leit%26SearchID%3D73328674313934 \|date=2 September 2008 }} in [[:is:Visir.is\|Visir.is]] newsportal</ref> 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 [[2008 Belarusian parliamentary election\|parliamentary election]] on 28 September 2008.<ref>{{in lang\|ru}}[http://www.rian.ru/politics/20080908/151063444.html Белоруссия скоро признает независимость Абхазии и Южной Осетии]</ref> On 25 September, [[President of Abkhazia]] [[Sergei Bagapsh]] and [[President of South Ossetia]] [[Eduard Kokoity]] officially requested that Lukashenko recognise the independence of their republics.<ref>[http://president.gov.by/en/press62635.html Presidents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Address Letters to President Alexander Lukashenko with Request to Recognise their Independence] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016122147/http://president.gov.by/en/press62635.html \|date=16 October 2008 }}</ref> In September 2008 it was announced that the Belarusian parliament would debate on the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia "soon".<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-XNYEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22&pg=PA228 Nikoloz Samkharadze: ''Russia's Recognition of the Independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia'', New York (NY): Columbia University Press 2021, p. 228.]</ref> However, Belarus decided not to recognise the two regions as independent states. 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.<ref name="rutland">{{cite web\|url=http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=CDI+Russia+Profile+List&articleid=a1225468054\|title=Georgia: Costly Illusions\|last=Rutland\|first=Peter\|date=31 October 2008\|publisher=Transitions Online\|access-date=23 March 2009}}{{dead link\|date=November 2017 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.rferl.org/Content/EU_Foreign_Ministers_Discuss_Eastern_Partnership/1497826.html\|title=EU Foreign Ministers Discuss Eastern Partnership\|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121193709/http://www.rferl.org/content/EU_Foreign_Ministers_Discuss_Eastern_Partnership/1497826.html\|archive-date=21 January 2014\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 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]]<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://euobserver.com/9/27827\|title=EU expanding its 'sphere of influence,' Russia says\|date=21 March 2009\|publisher=[[EUobserver]]\|access-date=24 March 2009}}</ref> According to [[Eurasianet\|Eurasianet.org]], which cites Russian media reports, Belarus is under Kremlin pressure to recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazia. There have been suppositions Russia has offered Belarus a $500 million credit on condition that Belarus recognises the two regions as independent.<ref>{{cite news \| title = RUSSIA OFFERS BELARUS $500 MILLION FOR ABKHAZIA RECOGNITION \| publisher = [[Eurasianet]] \| date = 24 March 2009 \| url = http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/news/articles/eav032409.shtml \| access-date = 26 January 2008 \| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090811052820/http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/news/articles/eav032409.shtml \| archive-date = 11 August 2009 \| url-status = dead }}</ref> In June 2009, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus said Moscow had 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.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100607023422/http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-eu-belarus-russia,0,5449240.story Lukashenko accuses Russia of blackmailing Belarus to recognize Georgian regions]. [[Los Angeles Times]]. 5 June 2009</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/europeCrisis/idUSL51033548 Belarus leader rejects conditions on Russian loan]. [[Reuters]]. 5 June 2009</ref> The dispute over the loan led to the June 2009 [[Milk War]] between Belarus and Russia. 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.{{Citation needed\|date=October 2009}} Belarusian lawmakers visited Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late 2009 to study the situation and decide to postpone decision to spring 2010.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.regnum.ru/news/fd-abroad/1226793.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122091224/http://www.regnum.ru/news/fd-abroad/1226793.html\|url-status=dead\|title=Парламент Белоруссии в этом году не будет рассматривать вопрос признания Абхазии и Южной Осетии\|archive-date=22 November 2009}}</ref> South Ossetia asked for a symmetrical approach between them and Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.rosbalt.ru/2009/11/30/693247.html\|title=Южная Осетия попросила Минск поступить с ней как с Абхазией\|publisher=Rosbalt\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202003837/http://www.rosbalt.ru/2009/11/30/693247.html\|archive-date=2 December 2009\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2021, an [[OSCE]] expert estimated that Belarus might be one of the next countries to recognize Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/mlambert/relations-between-abkhazia-and-syria-towards-a-domino-effect-with-bela/\|title=Relations between Abkhazia and Syria: Towards a Domino Effect with Belarus and North Korea?\|work=Russian International Affairs Council\|date=23 June 2021 \|access-date=2 July 2021}}</ref> In November 2021, South Ossetian president Anatoly Bibilov said that he expects a diplomatic recognition from Belarus soon.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://civil.ge/archives/455508\|title=Relations between Abkhazia and Syria: Towards a Domino Effect with Belarus and North Korea?\|work=Civil.ge \|date=16 November 2021 \|access-date=1 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/12930491\|title=Южная Осетия ждет признания независимости со стороны Белоруссии и других стран\|work=TASS\|date=15 November 2021 \|access-date=1 January 2022}}</ref> In 2022, Alexander Lukashenko visited Abkhazia for the first time and met with the Abkhaz president Bzhania and proclaimed “We want to build not just a bridge of friendship, but very serious relations." However, Belarus still did not recognize Abkhazia's independence.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://eurasianet.org/belaruss-lukashenko-visits-abkhazia\|title=Belarus's Lukashenko visits Abkhazia\|work=EurasiaNet\|date=28 September 2022 \|access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> \|- \|{{BEL}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (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. Nevertheless, South Ossetia named a representative for the [[Benelux]] countries.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news\|url=http://cominf.org/en/node/1166526232\|title=Anatoly Bibilov met with representatives of South Ossetia in Transnistria and Benelux countries\|newspaper=Государственное Информационное Агентство "Рес" \|publisher=RES Agency\|date=2019-11-01\|language=en\|access-date=15 May 2020}}</ref> \|- \|{{BUL}} \|\| In 2008, [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/bulgaria-worried-by-russia-s-recognition-of-south-ossetia-abkhazia-independence/id_31387/catid_68\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831201437/http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/bulgaria-worried-by-russia-s-recognition-of-south-ossetia-abkhazia-independence/id_31387/catid_68\|title=Bulgaria 'worried' by Russia's Recognition of South Ossetia, Abkhazia Independence\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=31 August 2008\|publisher=[[The Sofia Echo]]\|date=2008-08-26\|language=en\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> Despite this official stance, Bulgarian trade with Abkhazia surged in the end of the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.jungewelt.de/artikel/364569.abchasien-komplizierte-gemengelage.html\|title=Komplizierte Gemengelage \|date=2019-10-12 \|publisher=[[junge Welt]]\|access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref> In 2018, a Bulgarian business delegation had visited Abkhazia and met with Abkhaz prime minister [[Gennadi Gagulia]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://aiaaira.com/ekonomika/item/623-bolgarskie-predprinimateli-gotovy-investirovat-v-abkhaziyu\|title=Болгарские предприниматели готовы инвестировать в Абхазию\|publisher=Aiaaira\|date=2018-07-04\|language=ru\|access-date=29 November 2020\|archive-date=11 December 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211173255/https://aiaaira.com/ekonomika/item/623-bolgarskie-predprinimateli-gotovy-investirovat-v-abkhaziyu\|url-status=dead}}</ref> Abkhazia has an unofficial representative in Bulgaria.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/foreign-policy/abkhazia/?sphrase_id=78731\|title=Abkhazia in the system of international relations\|publisher= MFA Apsny\|language=en\|access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref> \|- \| {{BIH}} \|\| Bosnia and Herzegovina has not officially recognized the independence of Abkhazia or South Ossetia. In June 2017, [[Milorad Dodik]], the President of the [[Republika Srpska]], has met with the then newly elected South Ossetian President [[Anatoliy Bibilov]]. Dodik expressed his readiness for cooperation with South Ossetia. According to the South Ossetian press service, the two agreed tentatively that Dodik would visit Tskhinvali on 20 September 2017.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://old.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=30155 \|title=Republika Srpska President Meets South Ossetian Leader\|website=Civil Georgia\|date=2 June 2017\|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref> In January 2018, the South Ossetian president Bibilov attended the Republika Srpska's "Statehood Day" and representatives of South Ossetia and Republika Srpska signed a memorandum of cooperation in Banja Luka.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/south-ossetia-president-visit-raise-tensions-in-bosnia-01-11-2018 \|title=Georgia Protests to Bosnia Over Ossetian Leader's Visit\|publisher=Balkan Insight}}</ref> Additionally, Bibilov opened a representation office in Banja Luka.<ref>{{cite news\|title=South Ossetian leader meets with Bosnian Serb counterpart\|publisher=[[OC Media]]\|url=http://oc-media.org/south-ossetian-leader-meets-with-bosnian-serb-counterpart/}}</ref> Georgia sent a protest note to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bosnian [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bosnia and Herzegovina)\|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] issued a statement, saying that Bosnia and Herzegovina has "good and friendly relations with Georgia based on mutual respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty".<ref>{{cite news\|title= Sarajevo: We Respect Georgia’s Territorial Integrity\|publisher=[[Civil Georgia]]\|url=https://civil.ge/archives/218974}}</ref> The ministry also noted that it was unaware of the visit of Bibilov. However, President of [[President of Republika Srpska]] [[Milorad Dodik]] said that Bibilov was visiting "the Serb entity, not the Bosnian state". He also stated that "Georgia does not have a friendly attitude towards the RS [Republika Srpska], we know that, and neither do we have one towards it".<ref>{{cite news\|title=Georgia Protests to Bosnia Over Ossetian Leader's Visit\|publisher=Balkan Insight\|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2018/01/11/south-ossetia-president-visit-raise-tensions-in-bosnia-01-11-2018/\|date=11 January 2018}}</ref> \|- \| {{BOL}} \|\| Bolivia has not officially recognized the independence of Abkhazia or South Ossetia. In April 2009, the Abkhaz foreign ministry announced that it expects a recognition of Bolivia soon. Then-foreign minister Viacheslav Chirikba later said that his announcement was a mistake and the recognition never materialized.<ref name="Donnacha Ó Beacháin">{{Cite journal\|url=http://publications.tlu.ee/index.php/stss/article/view/761\|title=Cheque-Mates? Abkhazia's Quest for International Recognition\|author=Donnacha Ó Beacháin\|journal=Studies of Transition States and Societies\|date=31 July 2019\|volume=11\|issue=1}}</ref> In 2018, a member of the Bolivian embassy in [[Venezuela]] attended a celebration at the Abkhaz embassy in Caracas.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/embassies/zaur-gvadzhava-dal-priem-po-sluchayu-25-letiya-dnya-pobedy-i-10-letiya-priznaniya-abkhazii-rossiysko/?sphrase_id=76437\|title=Zaur Gvadzhava made a reception on the occasion of the 25-th anniversary of Victory Day and the 10-th anniversary of the recognition of Abkhazia by the Russian Federation\|publisher=Abkhaz foreign ministry\|date=2018-10-22\|language=en\|access-date=25 December 2021}}</ref> In 2021, the Abkhaz Ambassador in Venezuela met with the Bolivian Ambassador in the same country. During the meeting, both discussed the establishment of humanitarian, trade and economic ties between both countries.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/ru/allnews/news/othernews/kommentariy-ministra-inostrannykh-del-respubliki-abkhaziya-v-svyazi-so-vstrechey-posla-abkhazii-i-po/\|title=Комментарий Министра иностранных дел Республики Абхазия Инала Ардзинба в связи со встречей Посла Абхазии и Посла Боливии в Венесуэле\|publisher=Abkhaz foreign ministry\|date=2021-12-24\|language=ru\|access-date=25 December 2021}}</ref> \|- \| {{BRA}} \|\| Brazil has not recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Immediately after the war in 2008, Brazilian foreign minister [[Celso Amorim]] said that his country "defends in a very strong way the principle of territorial integrity" and does not plan to recognize any new state anytime soon.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/pt-BR/discursos-artigos-e-entrevistas-categoria/ministro-das-relacoes-exteriores-entrevistas/10159-entrevista-do-ministro-celso-amorim-ao-jornal-clarin-8-9-2008\|title=Entrevista do Ministro Celso Amorim ao jornal Clarín, 8/9/2008\|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Brazil)]]\|date=2008-09-08\|language=pt\|access-date=9 October 2019}}</ref> Nevertheless, South Ossetia named a representative for Brazil who works on "connecting with economic and political circles in the country" in 2013.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://amerika21.de/2019/10/230244/suedossetien-brasilien-2019\|title=Südossetien sucht Kontakt zu Brasilien\|publisher= amerika21\|date=2019-08-23\|language=de\|access-date=9 October 2019}}</ref> \|- \| {{BDI}} \|\| In 2024, Burundi voted against the Georgia resolution at the [[United Nations]] which would United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to reiterate the right of return of all displaced persons and refugees to Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and support Georgia’s territorial integrity.<ref> https://civil.ge/archives/611464/amp</ref> \|- \|{{CAN}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (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".<ref>[http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386468&language=E&docnumber=184 "Statement by Minister Emerson on Situation in Georgia – Canadian MOFA"] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901171704/http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386468&language=E&docnumber=184 \|date=1 September 2008 }} ''international.gc.ca'' 26 August 2008 Link accessed 26/08/08</ref> \|- \|{{PRC}} \|\| On 27 August 2008 [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (People's Republic of China)\|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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90883/6488086.html\|title=FM spokesman: China "concerned" of situation in South Ossetia, Abkhazia\|publisher=People's Daily Online\|access-date=24 June 2017\|archive-date=16 November 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116012513/http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90883/6488086.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the first SCO summit after the Russian recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Chinese President [[Hu Jintao]] played a pivotal role in resisting Russian lobbying for the recognition of independence for Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.cer.org.uk/publications/archive/bulletin-article/2008/russia-china-and-georgia-dimension\|title=Russia, China and the Georgia dimension\|publisher= CER \|access-date=24 June 2017}}</ref> Since 2015, Chinese firms have started commercial relations with Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://eurasianet.org/china-to-invest-in-electric-cars-mobile-phones-and-roads-in-abkhazia\|title=China to invest in electric cars, mobile phones and roads in Abkhazia?\|newspaper=EurasiaNet \|access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref> In 2019, Abkhazia participated in the International Exhibition for Food, Beverages, Hotel/Restaurant equipment, Foodservice, Catering, Bakery and Retail Industries in [[Shanghai]] and a Chinese business delegation visited Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.tppra.org/en/news/cci-of-ra-represented-products-of-abkhaz-manufacturers-at-the-international-exhibition-in-shanghai.html\|title=CCI OF RA REPRESENTED PRODUCTS OF ABKHAZ MANUFACTURERS AT THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION IN SHANGHAI\|publisher=The Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Abkhazia \|access-date=22 January 2021}}</ref> The delegation even met with the Abkhaz foreign minister [[Daur Kove]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/visits/o-vstreche-s-delegatsiey-iz-knr-/\|title=On the meeting with the delegation from China \|publisher=Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Abkhazia \|access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref> In 2021, the Chinese Ambassador in Syria met with the Abkhaz Ambassador in Syria.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/othernews/statement-of-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-of-the-republic-of-abkhazia-concerning-the-pressure-of-/\|title=Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia concerning the pressure of the Georgian side on the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Syria\|publisher=Abkhaz foreign ministry\|date=2021-11-09\|language=en\|access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref> \|- \|{{CRO}} \|\| Former [[President of 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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/mesic-zabrinut-zbog-ruskog-priznanja-juzna-osetije-i-abhazije/399778.aspx\|title=Mesić zabrinut zbog ruskog priznanja Južna Osetije i Abhazije\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> [[Neven Jurica]], former [[Ambassador of Croatia to the United Nations\|Croatian Permanent Representative to the United Nations]], called the Russian Federation's action regrettable and illegitimate.<ref name="georgiandaily1">{{cite web\|url=http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6929&Itemid=65\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830191935/http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6929&Itemid=65\|url-status=dead\|title=GeorgianDaily Forum\|archive-date=30 August 2008\|website=georgiandaily.com}}</ref> \|- \|{{CRC}} \|\| At a UN Security Council meeting regarding the Georgia situation, [[Jorge Urbina (diplomat)\|Jorge Urbina]], the [[Permanent Representative to the UN]] 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."<ref name="ref1">{{cite web\|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/sc9438.doc.htm\|title=SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFED BY POLITICAL AFFAIRS, PEACEKEEPING ON GEORGIA DEVELOPMENTS, INCLUDING 26 AUGUST RECOGNITION DECREES ON ABKHAZIA, SOUTH OSSETIA\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> \|- \| {{CUB}} \|\| In 2024, Cuba voted against the Georgia resolution at the [[United Nations]] which would United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to reiterate the right of return of all displaced persons and refugees to Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and support Georgia’s territorial integrity.<ref> https://civil.ge/archives/611464/amp</ref> \|- \|{{CYP}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Cyprus)\|Foreign Minister]] [[Markos Kyprianou]] has said 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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=69&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=4933&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2350&hn=famagusta-gazette&he=.com\|title=Home – Famagusta Gazette Online – Breaking News, Cyprus Issues, Weather\|access-date=5 April 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912150922/http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=69&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=4933&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2350&hn=famagusta-gazette&he=.com\|archive-date=12 September 2008\|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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 [[Government of Cyprus\|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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/All/61F1C384AC10C776C22574B20025DDBB?OpenDocument\|title=MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS – News – Cyprus concerned over developments in Georgia\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202557/http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/All/61F1C384AC10C776C22574B20025DDBB?OpenDocument\|archive-date=3 March 2016\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> \|- \|{{CZE}} \|\| The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Czech Republic)\|Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] issued a statement calling Russia's action "an attack on the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia".<ref name="EUobserver">{{cite web\|url=http://euobserver.com/9/26644\|title=EU leaders condemn Russia in shadow of Kosovo\|date=26 August 2008 \|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> \|- \|{{DEN}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Denmark)\|Foreign Minister]] [[Per Stig Møller]] declared "unconditional support for Georgia's territorial integrity".<ref name="EUobserver"/> \|- \|{{DOM}} \|\| Dominican Republic [[Member of Parliament\|MPs]] Francisco Matos and Ramon Fernandez travelled to Abkhazia in December 2010 and met with Abkhaz officials, including [[Sergey Shamba]], [[Maxim Gvindzhia]] and [[Nugzar Ashuba]]. 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.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.abkhaziagov.org/en/news/detail.php?ID=35404\|title=Dominican Republic MPs support the establishment of friendly relations with Abkhazia\|date=10 December 2010\|publisher=[[Government of Abkhazia]]\|access-date=1 June 2011\|location=[[Sukhum]]\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302184828/http://abkhaziagov.org/en/news/detail.php?ID=35404\|archive-date=2 March 2011\|url-status=dead\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 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 [[Latin America]]n nation could be expected in May.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.interfax.ru/news.asp?id=189715\|script-title=ru:Вице-премьер Доминиканской республики встретится с руководством Абхазии\|date=13 May 2011\|publisher=[[Interfax]]\|access-date=1 June 2011\|location=[[Sukhum]]\|language=ru}}</ref> [[Philip Gordon]], the American [[Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs]], then warned the Dominican Republic against recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c32/147497.html\|title=US warns Dominican Republic against recognising South Ossetia, Abkhazia\|date=21 May 2011\|publisher=[[ITAR-TASS]]\|access-date=1 June 2011\|location=[[Tbilisi]]\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525221954/http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c32/147497.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> The [[Presidency of Barack Obama\|United States government]] invited President [[Leonel Fernández]] to [[New York City\|New York]] for a conference and sent a private plane for that purpose. After his visit, the Dominican government did not communicate anymore with the Abkhaz government.<ref name="Donnacha Ó Beacháin"/> \|- \|{{ECU}} \|\| [[Ecuador]]'s President [[Rafael Correa]] 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.{{cn\|date=March 2023}} Abkhazia submitted such a request in December 2009.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=14597724&PageNum=0\|title=Abkhazia requests Ecuador to recognise its independence\|publisher=[[ITAR TASS]]\|date=3 December 2009\|access-date=3 December 2009\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316120743/http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=14597724&PageNum=0\|archive-date=16 March 2010\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, according to one confidential US diplomatic cable released by [[WikiLeaks]], possibility of Ecuador's recognition of Abkhazia or South Ossetia "was played up" in the press and Correa made no such commitments to Russia. To this day, Ecuador has not recognized Abkhazia or South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://civil.ge/archives/231894\|title= Ecuador's Culture Days in Georgia\|website=[[Civil Georgia]]\|date=1 June 2011}}</ref> \|- \|{{EST}} \|\| [[Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs\|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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.vm.ee/?q=en/node/790\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903122056/http://www.vm.ee/?q=en%2Fnode%2F790\|url-status=dead\|title=Estonia Disapproves Russia's Decision to Recognise the Independence of Georgia's Separatist Regions\|archive-date=3 September 2012}}</ref> \|- \|{{flag\|Eritrea}}\|\| Eritrea has not recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Nevertheless, there were official meetings between Eritrean and Abkhazian and South Ossetian officials. On 10 June 2014, Abkhaz Foreign Minister Viacheslav Chirikba held a meeting with the delegation of the State of Eritrea consisting of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Eritrea in the Russian Federation Teklay Minassie Asgedom and Head of the Department of Asia and the Pacific of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea Kalekristos Zariseney Gebreyezus in the MFA of Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/1232-first-visit-of-the-eritrean-delegation-to-abkhazia\|title=First visit of the Eritrean delegation to Abkhazia\|first=Abkhaz\|last=World\|website=Abkhaz World – History, Culture & Politics of Abkhazia\|date=10 June 2014 }}</ref> On 19 April 2018, South Ossetian Foreign Minister Dmitry Medoev met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Eritrea to the Russian Federation, Petros Tseggay Asged, in [[Yalta]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mfa-rso.su/en/node/2715\|title=Press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia\|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia}}</ref> \|- \|{{FIN}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (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 2008 letter of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The international community cannot accept unilaterally established buffer zones".<ref>[http://formin.finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=135447&nodeid=15146&contentlan=2&culture=en-US "OSCE Chairman condemns Russia's recognition of South Ossetia, Abkhazia independence"] ''formin.finland.fi'' 26 August 2008</ref> \|- \|{{FRA}} \|\| The [[Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (France)\|French Foreign Ministry]] spokesman said, "We consider this is a regrettable decision and I recall our attachment to the territorial integrity of Georgia".<ref name="news2">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7582367.stm Reaction to Russia's recognition of rebels], ''[[BBC]]'', 26 August 2008.</ref> [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (France)\|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."<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://old.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19312\|title=Reports: Kouchner Speaks of Ethnic Cleansing\|author=Civil Georgia\|date=27 August 2008\|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref> \|- \|{{GER}} \|\| [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)\|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".<ref name="BBC1">{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7582367.stm\|title=BBC NEWS – Europe – Reaction to Russia's recognition of rebels\|date=26 August 2008\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> \|- \|{{GRE}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Greece)\|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] [[Dora Bakoyannis]] stated that among the principles of [[Foreign relations of Greece\|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.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/27082008_SB1201.htm\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901204233/http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/27082008_SB1201.htm\|url-status=dead\|title=Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Official Site\|archivedate=1 September 2008}}</ref> \|- \|{{HAI}} \|\| Haiti does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In 2022, the Haitian Ambassador in Venezuela met the Abkhaz Ambassador in that country and they exchanged views on a wide range of issues of interstate cooperation and discussed the prospects for establishing bilateral cooperation.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/othernews/zaur-gvadzhava-vstretilsya-s-poslom-respubliki-gaiti-v-venesuele-davidom-lesli/\|title=Zaur Gvadzhava met with Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to Venezuela David Leslie\|date=21 June 2022\|access-date=8 July 2022}}</ref> \|- \|{{HUN}} \|\| The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hungary)\|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".<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.hu/kum/en/bal/actualities/spokesman_statements/Duma_reaction_eng_080826.htm The Hungarian Foreign Ministry regrets that the Russian President signed the decree recognising South Ossetia and Abkhazia – Statement of the ministry] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830100350/http://www.mfa.gov.hu/kum/en/bal/actualities/spokesman_statements/Duma_reaction_eng_080826.htm \|date=30 August 2008 }}. The Foreign Ministry of Hungary. Retrieved on 26 August 2008.</ref> \|- \|{{ISL}} \|\| [[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 [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]]. Speakers also called on Russia to reverse its decision.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.nytimes.com/\|title=Breaking News, World News & Multimedia\|website=www.nytimes.com}}</ref> \|- \|{{IDN}} \|\| [[Marty Natalegawa]], [[Ambassador of Indonesia to the United Nations\|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.<ref name="georgiandaily1"/> In 2018, the South Ossetian foreign minister met with a special representative of the Government of Indonesia, Nicolas Messet, in Nauru.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web\|url=http://cominf.org/en/node/1166514805\|title=Dmitry Medoev held meetings with the President of Micronesia and the Special Representative of Indonesia\|date=2 February 2018\|website=Государственное информационное агентство "Рес"}}</ref> \|- \|{{IRN}} \|\| The [[Ambassador of Iran to Russia]], [[Mahmoud Reza Sajjadi]], said in 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 [[2008 South Ossetia war]] 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.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.php?nn=8711191718\|title=Iran Not to Recognize Abkhazia, S. Ossetia's Independence Soon\|publisher=FARS News Agency\|date=7 February 2009\|access-date=10 February 2009\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813205746/http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8711191718\|archive-date=13 August 2009\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In July 2019, the South Ossetian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmitry Medoyev said that his country is willing to expand its cooperation with Iran. There are "deep-rooted economic, scientific and cultural ties between Iran and South Ossetian", he added.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/07/20/2057877/south-ossetia-willing-to-boost-cooperation-with-iran\|title=South Ossetia Willing to Boost Cooperation with Iran – Politics news\|website=Tasnim News Agency}}</ref> In December 2019, Sergey Shakaryants, an Armenian specialist on the South Caucasus, wrote that the Iranians "have convinced the leaders of South Ossetia that Iran may soon recognize their republic diplomatically".<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://jamestown.org/program/tehran-expanding-efforts-to-counter-us-israel-and-turkey-across-south-caucasus/\|title=Tehran Expanding Efforts to Counter US, Israel and Turkey Across South Caucasus\|website=Jamestown}}</ref> \|- \|{{IRL}} \|\| [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72518\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830095702/http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72518\|url-status=dead\|title=Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs on Russian Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia\|archive-date=30 August 2008}}</ref> \|- \|{{ISR}} \|\| {{Main\|Foreign relations of Abkhazia#Israel}} The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel)\|Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] 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."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/MFA+Spokesman/2008/MFA%20statement%20on%20the%20situation%20in%20Georgia%2010-Aug-2008\|title=MFA statement on the situation in Georgia\|website=GxMSDev\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> \|- \|{{ITA}} \|\| [[Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs\|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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6675&Itemid=65\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828013747/http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6675&Itemid=65\|url-status=dead\|title=GeorgianDaily Forum\|archive-date=28 August 2008\|website=georgiandaily.com}}</ref> Nevertheless, Italy has relatively close relations with Abkhazia. In 2016, an Abkhaz cultural institute and in 2017, an unofficial Abkhaz diplomatic mission opened in Rome.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://old.mfaapsny.org/en/information/?ID=4386\|title=Opening of the Abkhazian Institute of Culture named after Dmitry Gulia in Italy\|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia\|date=17 June 2016\|access-date=31 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.apsnypress.info/en/news/abkhazian-institute-of-culture-has-opened-in-italy/\|title=Abkhazian Institute of Culture has opened in Italy\|website=Apsnypress\|date=17 June 2016\|access-date=31 July 2020\|archive-date=14 February 2022\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214153003/http://www.apsnypress.info/en/news/abkhazian-institute-of-culture-has-opened-in-italy/\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://abkhazinform.com/item/6756-v-italii-zaregistrirovano-diplomaticheskoe-predstavitelstvo-respubliki-abkhaziya\|title=В ИТАЛИИ ЗАРЕГИСТРИРОВАНО ДИПЛОМАТИЧЕСКОЕ ПРЕДСТАВИТЕЛЬСТВО РЕСПУБЛИКИ АБХАЗИЯ\|website=Abkhazinform\|date=29 November 2017\|access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://abaza.org/en/abkhaz-adjika-presented-at-the-popular-pepper-festival-in-italy\|title=Abkhaz adjika presented at the popular pepper festival in Italy\|website=World Abaza Congress\|date=12 September 2019\|access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref> Additionally, South Ossetia opened an unofficial mission in Rome in 2016. The Italian authorities do not recognize it.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://tass.com/world/866651\|title=South Ossetia opens mission in Rome, Italian foreign ministry not to recognize it\|website=TASS\|date=1 April 2016\|access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://agenda.ge/en/news/2016/791\|title=Italy doesn't recognize de facto South Ossetia "Embassy" in Rome\|website=Agenda.ge\|date=2 April 2016\|access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref> \|- \|{{JPN}} \|\| [[Yasuaki Tanizaki]], director general of the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)\|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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6676&Itemid=65\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828014715/http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6676&Itemid=65\|url-status=dead\|title=GeorgianDaily Forum\|archive-date=28 August 2008\|website=georgiandaily.com}}</ref> \|- \|{{JOR}} \|\| Jordan has not recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Nevertheless, a high-ranking delegation of the country visited Abkhazia in 2018. The members of the delegations included the vice-president of the [[Senate (Jordan)\|Senate of Jordan]] and other prominent politicians.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://presidentofabkhazia.org/en/news_en/detail.php?ELEMENT_ID=8096\|title=THE PRESIDENT HAD A MEETING WITH A DELEGATION FROM THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN\|website=presidentofabkhazia.org\|date=5 July 2018\|access-date=8 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/ru/allnews/news/othernews/o-vstreche-s-delegatsiey-iz-iordanii/\|title=О встрече с делегацией из Иордании\|website=mfaapsny.org\|date=5 July 2018\|access-date=8 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/othernews/o-vstreche-s-delegatsiey-iz-iordanii/?sphrase_id=75307\|title=On the meeting with the delegation from Jordan\|website=mfaapsny.org\|date=6 July 2018\|access-date=28 June 2021}}</ref> Abkhazia has a representative in Jordan.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/foreign-policy/abkhazia/?sphrase_id=75307\|title=Abkhazia in the system of international relations\|website=mfaapsny.org\|access-date=28 June 2021}}</ref> \|- \|{{KAZ}} \|\| In 2008, [[President of 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 [[Second Cold War\|new Cold War]],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6835&Itemid=65\|title=Kazakhstan understands Russia's actions-president\|publisher=Georgian Daily\|date=28 August 2008\|access-date=28 August 2008}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.trendaz.com/index.shtml?show=news&newsid=1281532&lang=EN \|title=Trend News: Kazakhstan Concerns of Negative Influence of Conflicts on Regional Security: Ambassador \|publisher=News.trendaz.com \|access-date=3 October 2008 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907214441/http://news.trendaz.com/index.shtml?show=news&newsid=1281532&lang=EN \|archive-date=7 September 2008 }}</ref><br /> In October 2008, Foreign Minister [[Marat Tazhin]] 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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://orenburg.kp.ru/online/news/147460/\|title=Казахстан не станет признавать Южную Осетию\|author=АО ИД «Комсомольская правда»\|website=АО ИД «Комсомольская правда»\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125021539/http://www.orenburg.kp.ru/online/news/147460/\|archive-date=25 January 2016\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In December 2008, Prime Minister [[Karim Masimov]] 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."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.polit.ru/news/2008/12/12/independence.popup.html\|title=Руководство Казахстана не будет признавать независимость Абхазии и Южной Осетии\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> Kazakhstan also send humanitarian aid to the conflict zone and offered help with peace talks.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.upi.com/Analysis-Kazakhstan-and-South-Ossetia-the-oil-connection/50571218734559/\|title=Analysis: Kazakhstan and South Ossetia – the oil connection\|publisher=UPI\|access-date=21 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/Kazakh_PM_Says_Astana_Can_Help_Resolve_Ossetian_Abkhaz_Talks/1351021.html\|title=Kazakhstan Offers Help With Ossetian, Abkhaz Talks\|newspaper=Radiofreeeurope/Radioliberty \|access-date=21 April 2019}}</ref> In 2019, South Ossetia began exporting goods to Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://south-ossetia.info/v-kazaxstane-poyavyatsya-vina-iz-yuzhnoj-osetii/\|title=В Казахстане появятся вина из Южной Осетии\|access-date=21 April 2019}}</ref> In 2022, the Abkhaz and the South Ossetian government supported the [[Collective Security Treaty Organization\|CSTO]] intervention in the country during the [[2022 Kazakh unrest]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/othernews/zayavlenie-prezidenta-respubliki-abkhaziya-a-g-bzhaniya-v-svyazi-s-situatsiey-v-respublike-kazakhsta/\|title=Statement of the President of A.G. Bzhania, the President of the Republic of Abkhazia in connection with the situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan \|publisher=Abkhaz foreign ministry\|date=2022-01-08\|language=en\|access-date=25 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://mfa.rsogov.org/ru/node/3528\|title=Ответ Министра иностранных дел Республики Южная Осетия Д.Н. Медоева на вопрос корреспондента ИА "Рес" о событиях в Казахстане\|publisher=South Ossetian foreign ministry\|date=2022-01-07\|language=ru\|access-date=25 January 2022}}</ref> \|- \|{{KGZ}} \|\| 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".<ref>[http://law.by/work/EnglPortal.nsf/NewsBelForInt/AED0FB8D9CCC9780C22574B200478C56?OpenDocument Independence of South Ossetia, Abkhazia needs thinking about, Kyrgyzstan Ambassador says] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831143447/http://law.by/work/EnglPortal.nsf/NewsBelForInt/AED0FB8D9CCC9780C22574B200478C56?OpenDocument \|date=31 August 2008 }}, National Legal Internet Portal of the Republic of Belarus, 27 August 2008</ref> \|- \|{{LAT}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Latvia)\|Foreign Minister]] [[Māris Riekstiņš]] 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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.am.gov.lv/en/news/press-releases/2008/Ausust/26-4/\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830002807/http://www.am.gov.lv/en/news/press-releases/2008/Ausust/26-4/\|url-status=dead\|title=Foreign Minister Riekstiņš condemns Russia's decision to recognise independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia\|archive-date=30 August 2008}}</ref><br />In December 2009, President of Latvia [[Valdis Zatlers]], said that Latvia will never recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.liga.net/news/N0941459.html\|title=Президент Латвии заявляет, что его страна никогда не признает независимость Абхазии и Южной Осети\|access-date=10 December 2009}}</ref> \|- \|{{LIB}} \|\| The leader of Lebanon's parliamentary majority [[Saad Hariri]] 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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.istockanalyst.com/\|title=I Stock Analyst – Magazine 2020\|website=I Stock Analyst}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/387-lebanon\|title=Lebanon could recognize S.Ossetia, Abkhazia\|first=Abkhaz\|last=World\|website=Abkhaz World \| History, Culture & Politics of Abkhazia}}</ref> \|- \|{{LTU}} \|\| [[Prime Minister of 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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/228122,baltic-states-condemn-russian-recognition-of-georgian-regions.html\|title=Earth Times: show/228122,baltic-states-condemn-russian-recognition-of-georgian-regions.html\|access-date=5 April 2016\|archive-date=17 June 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617043335/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/228122,baltic-states-condemn-russian-recognition-of-georgian-regions.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> \|- \|{{LUX}} \|\| A joint [[Ministry of State (Luxembourg)\|Ministry of State]] and [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Luxembourg)\|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 [[UN Security Council Resolution 1808\|Resolution 1808]]".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.gouvernement.lu/salle_presse/communiques/2008/08-aout/26-asselborn-pm-communique/index.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901163210/http://www.gouvernement.lu/salle_presse/communiques/2008/08-aout/26-asselborn-pm-communique/index.html\|url-status=dead\|title=Déclaration conjointe de Jean-Claude Juncker et de Jean Asselborn suite à la reconnaissance par la Russie de l'indépendance de l'Abkhazie et de l'Ossétie du Sud\|archive-date=1 September 2008}}</ref> Nevertheless, South Ossetia named a representative for the [[Benelux]] countries.<ref name="auto2"/> \|- \| {{MLI}} \|\| In 2024, Mali voted against the Georgia resolution at the [[United Nations]] which would United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to reiterate the right of return of all displaced persons and refugees to Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and support Georgia’s territorial integrity.<ref> https://civil.ge/archives/611464/amp</ref> \|- \|{{MEX}} \|\| 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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://senderodelpeje.com/sdp/contenido/2008/08/27/27663\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901155858/http://senderodelpeje.com/sdp/contenido/2008/08/27/27663\|url-status=dead\|title=Preocupa a México situación en Osetia del Sur y Abjasia.\|archive-date=1 September 2008}}</ref> \|- \|{{FSM}} \|\| In 2011, the government of the [[Federated States of Micronesia]] established diplomatic relations with [[Georgia (country)\|Georgia]].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.fsmgov.org/diprel/georgia.pdf\|title=''Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic and Consular Relations between the Federated States of Micronesia and Georgia'', fsmgov.org 12 August 2011.}}</ref> Nevertheless, the then-President of Micronesia, [[Peter M. Christian]], met the South Ossetian foreign minister in 2018.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://mfa.rsogov.org/en/node/2423\|title=Press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia \| Министерство иностранных дел\|website=mfa.rsogov.org}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/> \|- \|{{MDA}} \|\| 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.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LT506990.htm\|title=Moldova rejects recognition of Georgian regions\|agency=[[Reuters]]\|date=29 August 2008\|access-date=30 August 2008}}</ref> '''[[Gagauzia]]''', an [[autonomous region]] 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.<ref>{{cite web \| script-title=ru:Текст обращения Народного собрания Гагаузии к руководству Молдавии о признании Абхазии и Южной Осетии \| publisher = [[REGNUM News Agency]] \| date = 19 September 2008 \|language=ru \| url = http://www.regnum.ru/news/1057659.html \|access-date=8 August 2013}}</ref> \|- \|{{MNE}} \|\| Montenegro does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In 2016, Abkhazia participated in an international tourism fair called the International Tourism Exchange, Tourism Fair, Equipment for Hotels and Catering (METUBES 2016) in [[Budva]]. After Georgian protests, the Abkhaz exhibition pavillon was closed.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://dfwatch.net/abkhazian-exposition-in-montenegro-shuts-down-on-georgias-request-42075\|title=''Abkhazian exhibition in Montenegro shut down on Georgia's request'', dfwatch.net 25 April 2016.\|date=25 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.tppra.org/en/news/montenegro-went-on-about-georgia-6275.html\|title=Montenegro went on about Georgia\|website=www.tppra.org}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/> \|- \|{{NED}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.nisnews.nl/public/280808_3.htm\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831115834/http://www.nisnews.nl/public/280808_3.htm\|url-status=dead\|title=Netherlands Fears for EU Relations with Russia\|archive-date=31 August 2008}}</ref> Nevertheless, South Ossetia named a representative for the [[Benelux]] countries.<ref name="auto2"/> \|- \| {{PRK}} \|\| In 2024, North Korea voted against the Georgia resolution at the [[United Nations]] which would United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to reiterate the right of return of all displaced persons and refugees to Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and support Georgia’s territorial integrity.<ref> https://civil.ge/archives/611464/amp</ref> \|- \|{{NOR}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.norwaypost.no/cgi-bin/norwaypost/imaker?id=187533\|title=The Norway Post – Your latest news from Norway, Norway News in English\|access-date=5 April 2016}}{{dead link\|date=November 2017 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> \|- \|{{OMA}} \|\| Oman has not recognized the independence of either Abkhazia or South Ossetia. Nevertheless, the Ambassador of Oman in [[Damascus]] met with the Abkhaz Ambassador in 2021.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/ru/allnews/news/embassies/bagrat-khutaba-provel-vstrechu-s-poslom-sultanata-oman-v-sirii-/\|title=Баграт Хутаба провел встречу с Послом Султаната Оман в Сирии\|website=mfaapsny.org\|access-date=26 April 2021}}</ref> \|- \|{{PAK}} \|\| Pakistan does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In January 2021, the President of the Association of Pakistanis in Russia met with Abkhaz foreign minister Daur Kove. They discussed the establishment of Abkhaz-Pakistani business relations.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/ru/allnews/news/visits/daur-kove-prinyal-prezidenta-assotsiatsii-sodeystviya-po-ustanovleniyu-delovykh-svyazey-s-pakistanom/\|title=Даур Кове принял Президента ассоциации содействия по установлению деловых связей с Пакистаном «BACP" Джавада Рахмана Шехрия\|website=mfaapsny.org\|access-date=26 April 2021}}</ref> In March 2021, the Ambassador of Pakistan in Syria met with the Abkhaz Ambassador in the same country.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/ru/allnews/news/embassies/bagrat-khutaba-vstretilsya-s-chrezvychaynym-i-polnomochnym-poslom-islamskoy-respubliki-pakistan/\|title=Баграт Хутаба встретился с Чрезвычайным и Полномочным Послом Исламской Республики Пакистан\|website=mfaapsny.org\|access-date=26 April 2021}}</ref> \|- \|{{PAN}} \|\| [[Ricardo Alberto Arias]], [[Ambassador of Panama to the United Nations\|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.<ref name="ref1"/> \|- \|{{PER}} \|\| [[Ollanta Humala]], 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.<ref>{{Cite news \|title=PERÚ NO PUEDE NEGAR A OSETIA DEL SUR Y ABJASIA EL RECONOCIMIENTO DE SU INDEPENDENCIA \|url=http://www.ceid.edu.ar/biblioteca/2009/ria_novosti_peru_puede_negar_a_osetia_del_sur.pdf \|date=2009-11-19 \|work=[[RIA Novosti]]}}</ref> The issue was ultimately not discussed,{{cn\|date=September 2023}} with the territorial integrity of Georgia (with whom relations had not yet been established) being implicitly recognised by Peru instead, as the country has consistenly abstained to vote on the issue at the [[United Nations General Assembly]]{{sfn\|Ramírez-Gastón\|2018\|page=79}} except for one case where a vote in favour was cast regarding cooperation with Georgia regarding the humanitarian situation in both regions.{{sfn\|Ramírez-Gastón\|2018\|page=80}} \|- \|{{POL}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Poland)\|Foreign Minister]] [[Radosław Sikorski]] called for respect for Georgia's territorial integrity.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1427082.php/Poland_supports_Georgia_over_Russian_recognition_crisis\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831195714/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1427082.php/Poland_supports_Georgia_over_Russian_recognition_crisis\|url-status=dead\|title=Poland supports Georgia over Russian recognition crisis\|archive-date=31 August 2008}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mathaba.net/news/?x=604226\|title=Poland condemns Russian recognition of South Ossetia, Abkhazia\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309180426/http://www.mathaba.net/news/?x=604226\|archive-date=9 March 2016\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> \|- \|{{POR}} \|\| The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal)\|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 [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]]".<ref>[http://ultimahora.publico.clix.pt/noticia.aspx?id=1340610 Governo português acompanha "com preocupação" crise no Cáucaso] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901194611/http://ultimahora.publico.clix.pt/noticia.aspx?id=1340610 \|date=1 September 2008 }}, ''[[Público (Portugal)\|Público]]'', 26 August 2008</ref> \|- \|{{ROU}} \|\| The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Romania)\|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 an 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".<ref>[http://www.mae.ro/index.php?unde=doc&id=36737&idlnk=2&cat=4 Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official statement], 26 August 2008.</ref> \|- \|{{SMR}} \|\| In 2011, the San Marino authorities declared, that they are planning to establish political, cultural and scientific contacts with Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/12/24/62816185.html \|title = San Marino to establish relations with Abkhazia: Voice of Russia \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603103721/http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/12/24/62816185.html \|archive-date=3 June 2013 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> The same year, a delegation of the Abkhaz foreign ministry was the first time in San Marino.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://embabhazia.ru/novosti/delegaciya_mid_abhazii_pribyla_v_respubliku_sanmarino/\|title=Посольство Республики Абхазия в Российской Федерации – Делегация МИД Абхазии прибыла в Республику Сан-Марино.\|website=embabhazia.ru}}</ref> In April 2012, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs, Antonella Mularoni, said that the San Marino government will continue to respect Georgia's territorial boundaries and will not recognize Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.esteri.sm/on-line/home/news/articolo1003075.html\|title=In merito al riconoscimento dell'Abkhazia – Segreteria di Stato per gli Affari Esteri – Repubblica di San Marino\|website=www.esteri.sm}}</ref> In 2013, the governments of Abkhazia and South Ossetia asked San Marino for a recognition of their independence.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://regnum.ru/article/1730719.html\|title=Южная Осетия и Абхазия попросили признать их независмость Италию и Сан-Марино\|website=ИА REGNUM}}</ref> The same year, Abkhazia appointed a representative for San Marino.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://old.mfaapsny.org/en/information/index.php?ID=1126\|title=Mauro Murgia Appointed Representative of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Abkhazia for San Marino \|website=mfaapsny.org}}</ref> Even though San Marino does not recognize the independence of South Ossetia, the South Ossetian foreign minister [[Dmitry Medoyev]] visited the country in 2017. He met the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the [[Grand and General Council]] and a group of the then-governing party [[Democratic Socialist Left]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mfa-rso.su/node/2304\|title=Сообщение пресс-службы Министерства иностранных дел Республики Южная Осетия \| Министерство иностранных дел\|website=www.mfa-rso.su}}</ref> Despite the lack of diplomatic relations, South Ossetia regularly sends diplomatic notes to San Marino.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://mfa.rsogov.org/node/3130\|title=Послание Председателя Парламента Республики Южная Осетия А. Тадтаева \| Министерство иностранных дел\|website=www.mfa-rso.su}}</ref> In 2021, South Ossetia appointed a representative for San Marino who resides in the small republic.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://mfa.rsogov.org/ru/node/995\|title=Сообщение пресс-службы Министерства иностранных дел Республики Южная Осетия\|website=www.mfa-rso.su}}</ref> \|- \|{{KSA}} \|\| During a meeting with [[Prime Minister of Russia\|Prime Minister]] [[Vladimir Putin]], the Secretary of the [[Saudi National Security Council]], [[Bandar bin Sultan]], told that [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia\|King Abdullah]] and the [[government of Saudi Arabia\|whole leadership of the country]] had full understanding for the actions of the Russian side in South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Саудовская Аравия с пониманием отнеслась к действиям России в Южной Осетии \| publisher = [[Gazeta.Ru]] \| date = 4 September 2008 \| url = http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2008/09/04/n_1266558.shtml \| access-date = 4 September 2008 }}</ref> Saudi Arabia does not recognizes Abkhazia or South Ossetia. In May 2012, during the visit to Georgia, Abdullah bin Zamil Al-Drees, a head of the delegation of [[Majlis al-Shura]] of Saudi Arabia, said that the kingdom's position was based on its foreign policy in support of the territorial integrity of countries.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Georgian Appreciation of the Kingdom's Position on the Independence of Abkhazia and Ossetia \| publisher = Al-Jazeera \| url = https://www.al-jazirah.com/2012/20120524/fe9.htm \| date = 24 May 2012 \|language=Arabian }}</ref> \|- \|{{SRB}} \|\| The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Serbia)\|Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] issued a statement saying that they respected the "territorial integrity of internationally recognized states" but that the [[2008 Kosovo declaration of independence\|declaration of independence]] by the [[Kosovo\|Republic of Kosovo]] and its subsequent [[International recognition of Kosovo\|international recognition]] has had a destabilising effect by setting a precedent for similar declarations by other regions.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=08&dd=26&nav_id=52997\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830055603/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=08&dd=26&nav_id=52997\|url-status=dead\|title=MFA expresses "concern" over Caucasus\|archive-date=30 August 2008}}</ref> On 3 September 2008, President [[Boris Tadić]] stated the position of Serbia as "Serbia is not going to recognise these so-called new countries."<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2008/09/03/serbia-won-t-recognise-georgia-regions/ \|title=Serbia Won't Recognise Georgia Regions \|date=3 September 2008 \|access-date=12 April 2021 }}</ref> In May 2012, the [[National Assembly of Serbia\|Serbian Parliament]] was to consider formal recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref>[http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_27/76109869/ Serbia mulls recognition of Abkhazia, S.Ossetia] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530072852/http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_27/76109869/ \|date=30 May 2012 }}, Voice of Russia, 27 May 2012</ref> \|- \|{{SLE}} \|\| The Foreign Ministry of Sierra Leone has never published any statement regarding the territorial integrity of Georgia or the recognition of Abkhazia or South Ossetia. In 2019, a representative of the [[Parliament of Sierra Leone]] met with a delegation of the [[Parliament of South Ossetia]].<ref>[http://www.parliamentrso.org/node/2527 ''Диалог, который состоялся в рамках Форума, будет способствовать решению наиболее актуальных международных и региональных проблем, – Алан Тадтаев'', parliamentrso.org 06.07.2019.].</ref> \|- \|{{SVK}} \|\| A statement issued by the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Slovakia)\|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 [[Government of Slovakia\|Slovak government]], as one of few [[European Union\|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".<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.foreign.gov.sk/App/WCM/main.nsf?Open\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080826005847/http://www.foreign.gov.sk/App/WCM/main.nsf?Open\|url-status=dead\|title=Slovak Republic disapproves of recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Russian Federation\|archivedate=26 August 2008}}</ref> \|- \|{{SLO}} \|\| [[Prime Minister of 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]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/31/content_9745906.htm\|title=Three EU premiers call for Caucasus peace, stability_English_Xinhua\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100351/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/31/content_9745906.htm\|archive-date=4 March 2016\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> \|- \|{{SOM}} \|\| Somalia's ''External Affairs and International Co-operation ministry'' said on 5 October 2008 in [[Mogadishu]] that Somalia recognises the territorial integrity of Georgia.<ref name="Indeterminate">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=show_article_eng&id_article=76953\|title=African Press Agency, 5 October 2008\|date=13 September 2023 }}</ref> [[Ambassador of Somalia to Russia\|Somalia's Ambassador to Russia]] [[Mohammed Handule\|Mohammed Mahmud Handule]] on 1 October 2008 was reported as saying [[Transitional Federal Government\|Somalia's Transitional Federal Government]] would recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite web \|title = Somalia welcomes Russian ships in pirate fight: ambassador \|publisher = [[Agence France-Presse]] \|date = 1 October 2008 \|url = http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h7En87fvTbiL_VBWN2v-0qsgHEXw \|access-date = 1 October 2008 \|url-status = dead \|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081005093228/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h7En87fvTbiL_VBWN2v-0qsgHEXw \|archive-date = 5 October 2008 \|df = dmy-all }}</ref> This stance was rebuffed by [[Mohamed Jama Ali]], the General Director of the ''External Affairs and International Co-operation ministry'' ([[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Somalia)\|Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]) as "an irregular statement"," which does not represent our government's foreign policy".<ref name="Indeterminate"/><ref>[http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.php?sid=8147&tirsan=3] Mareeg Online, ''Somalia: Somali government denies recognition of Abkhazia''.</ref> \|- \|{{ZAF}} \|\| In 2008, [[Dumisani Kumalo]], the [[Ambassador of South Africa to the United Nations\|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".<ref name="ref1"/> Nevertheless, the South African Ambassador to Venezuela met the Abkhaz Ambassador in the same country in 2018.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/embassies/zaur-gvadzhava-provel-vstrechu-s-poslom-yuar-v-venesuele-dzhozefom-noksi/\|title=Zaur Gvajawa held a meeting with Joseph Noxie, the Ambassador of South Africa in Venezuela\|website=mfaapsny.org}}</ref> \|- \|{{KOR}} \|\| 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."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/10/07/outside_view_seouls_russian_partnership/3510/\|title=Outside View: Seoul's Russian partnership\|publisher=United Press International\|date=7 October 2008\|access-date=30 October 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115114902/http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/10/07/outside_view_seouls_russian_partnership/3510/ \|archive-date=15 January 2009}}</ref> In 2018, a South Ossetian delegation – including foreign minister [[Dmitry Medoev]] – visited South Korea.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://cominf.org/en/node/1166514989\|title=Dmitry Medoev held a number of meetings in the Republic of Korea and the Russian Far East\|publisher=Рес\|date=12 February 2018\|access-date=25 December 2018}}</ref> \|- \|{{ESP}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.antena3noticias.com/PortalA3N/noticia/internacional/Espana-lamenta-reconocimiento-independencia-Osetia-Adjazia/2319391\|title=ANTENA 3 TV. Series online, Noticias, Videos, Programas TV (España, UE)\|date=4 May 2016\|website=Antena3.com\|access-date=5 April 2016}}{{dead link\|date=April 2018 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> \|- \|{{SUD}} \|\| On 28 August 2008, [[Ambassador of Sudan to the United Nations\|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 [[International Court of Justice\|ICJ]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28440\|title=Sudan UN envoy says Georgia war eased international pressure on his country\|date=3 September 2008\|access-date=5 April 2016\|archive-date=16 April 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416050840/http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28440\|url-status=dead}}</ref> \|- \|{{SWE}} \|\| [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (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".<ref>[http://www.wbj.pl/article-42326-moscow-recognizes-georgian-rebel-regions.html?typ=wbj Moscow recognises Georgian rebel regions] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831191104/http://www.wbj.pl/article-42326-moscow-recognizes-georgian-rebel-regions.html?typ=wbj \|date=31 August 2008 }}, Warsaw Business Journal, 26 August 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.thelocal.se/13948/20080826/ Bildt: Russia 'violating international law'] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827064719/http://www.thelocal.se/13948/20080826/ \|date=27 August 2008 }}, The Local, 26 August 2008.</ref> 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".<ref>[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/155c31fa-745f-11dd-bc91-0000779fd18c.html?nclick_check=1 Kremlin is told that move could backfire], Financial Times, 27 August 2008.</ref><br />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."<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.georgiatimes.info/en/news/27301.html\|title=Sweden: recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia is a "bad joke"\|access-date=10 December 2009\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213215440/http://www.georgiatimes.info/en/news/27301.html\|archive-date=13 December 2009\|url-status=dead}}</ref> \|- \|{{SUI}} \|\| The [[government of Switzerland]] 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 [[Helsinki Accords]] 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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news_digest/Cabinet_speaks_out_on_Georgia_conflict.html?siteSect=104&sid=9648924&cKey=1220518530000&ty=nd\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120919133810/http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news_digest/Cabinet_speaks_out_on_Georgia_conflict.html?siteSect=104&sid=9648924&cKey=1220518530000&ty=nd\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=19 September 2012\|title=Cabinet speaks out on Georgia conflict\|website=SWI swissinfo.ch\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/6492857.html\|title=Switzerland calls for political solution to Georgia conflict – People's Daily Online\|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| last = Xuequan \| first = Mu \| location = [[Geneva]] \| title = Switzerland calls for political solution to Georgia conflict \| publisher = [[Xinhua]] \| date = 4 September 2008 \| url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-09/04/content_9766092.htm \| access-date = 1 December 2020 \| url-status = dead \| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080903221205/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-09/04/content_9766092.htm \| archive-date = 3 September 2008 \| df = dmy-all }}</ref> \|- \|{{TJK}} \|\| The ''[[Moscow Times]]'' reports that the [[President of Tajikistan]], [[Emomalii Rahmon]], 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."<ref>{{cite news \| last = Krainova \| first = Natalya \| title = S. Ossetia Talks of Joining Russia \| newspaper = [[The Moscow Times]] \| date = 1 September 2008 \| url = http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/370554.htm \| access-date = 1 September 2008 \| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080902201013/http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/370554.htm \| archive-date = 2 September 2008 \| url-status = dead \| df = dmy-all }}</ref> He also stated, that Russia and Georgia should solve their conflict through political and diplomatic means.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/30/content_9739259.htm\|title=Tajikistan urges Russia, Georgia to solve conflict through political, diplomatic means\|publisher=[[Xinhua]]\|date=30 August 2008\|access-date= 30 August 2008\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901221917/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/30/content_9739259.htm\|archive-date=1 September 2008\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> \|- \|{{TUR}} \|\| {{Main\|Abkhazia–Turkey relations}} A [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)\|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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_158_-26-agustos-2008_-gurcistan_in-bagimsizligi-hk_.en.mfa\|title=NO:158 – 26 August 2008, Press Release Regarding the Independence of Georgia (Unofficial Translation)\|website=Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs\|access-date=5 April 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419075551/http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_158_-26-agustos-2008_-gurcistan_in-bagimsizligi-hk_.en.mfa\|archive-date=19 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 26 May 2018, The Turkish National Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli stated that Turkey is supporting Georgia's territorial integrity. \|- \|{{UKR}} \|\| In 2008, Ukrainian Deputy [[Prime Minister of Ukraine\|Prime Minister]] [[Grigoriy Nemirya]] stated that [[Kyiv]] took an unchangeable and principal position to support Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.<ref>[http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=87528 Few countries more condemn Russian President's decree] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124082613/http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=87528 \|date=24 November 2011 }}</ref> The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ukraine)\|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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mfa.gov.ua/mfa/ua/news/detail/14990.htm\|title=Міністерство закордонних справ України\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929150955/http://www.mfa.gov.ua/mfa/ua/news/detail/14990.htm\|archive-date=29 September 2012\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 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".<br />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 [the] adoption of such a decision. For Ukraine it is unacceptable therefore we cannot support the position."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/11094.html\|title=Ukraine will not support independence of South Ossetia, Abkhazia – President – Official web-site of President of Ukraine\|publisher=www.president.gov.ua\|access-date=27 August 2008\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831085131/http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/11094.html\|archive-date=31 August 2008\|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br /> However, the [[Verkhovna Rada of Crimea\|parliament]] of Ukraine's [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] passed a resolution, supporting independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, backing Russia's actions in the regions, and urging the [[Verkhovna Rada\|Ukrainian parliament]] to "accept" the independence of these states.<ref>{{cite news \|title = Crimea urges recognition of Georgia separatists \|newspaper = [[Financial Times]] \|date = 17 September 2008 \|url = http://us.ft.com/ftgateway/superpage.ft?news_id=fto091720081150380939 \|access-date = 20 September 2008 \|url-status = dead \|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090815104813/http://us.ft.com/ftgateway/superpage.ft?news_id=fto091720081150380939 \|archive-date = 15 August 2009 \|df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| script-title=ru:Парламент Крыма поддержал независимость Южной Осетии и Абхазии \| publisher = allcrimea.net \| date = 17 September 2008 \|language=ru \| url = http://news.allcrimea.net/news/2008/9/17/1221640220 \|access-date=8 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| title = Recognise Georgian regions says Ukraine's Crimea \| work = [[Reuters]] \| date = 17 September 2008 \| url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/gc07/idUKLH48040420080917 \| access-date = 20 September 2008}}</ref> A similar [[Party of Regions]] resolution in the Ukrainian parliament denouncing Georgia and calling upon Ukraine to recognize the independence of both territories failed.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Yanukovych's Election Opens Up Crimean Separatist Threat \| newspaper = Jamestown \| publisher = [[Jamestown Foundation]] \| date = 2 March 2010 \| language=en \| url = https://jamestown.org/program/yanukovychs-election-opens-up-crimean-separatist-threat/ \|access-date=14 December 2020}}</ref> In October 2009, Ukrainian Ambassador to Russia [[Kostyantyn Gryshchenko]] said that "We must not recognize neither Kosovo nor Abkhazia, nor South Ossetia in no case".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.liga.net/news/N0934753.html\|script-title=ru:Грищенко считает правильным непризнание Косово, Абхазии и Южной Осетии\|publisher=liga.net\|date=11 October 2010\|access-date=7 June 2010\|language=ru\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002145041/http://news.liga.net/news/N0934753.html\|archive-date=2 October 2011\|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br />In March 2010, President [[Viktor Yanukovych]] said that the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was "not currently on the agenda."<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=117210 \|title=Yanukovych signals Ukraine may not recognize South Ossetia, Abkhazia \|publisher=APA \|date=3 March 2010 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325184704/http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=117210 \|archive-date=25 March 2012 \|access-date=8 August 2013}}</ref> This was confirmed by the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ukraine)\|Minister for Foreign Affairs]] Kostyantyn Gryshchenko on 14 May 2010: "An issue of territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers is a matter of principle for us. Period".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-376819.html\|title=Ukraine not to recognize independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia – Gryshchenko\|publisher=UNIAN\|date=14 May 2010\|access-date=7 June 2010}}</ref><br />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".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/68638/\|title=Yanukovych: Recognition of independence of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Kosovo violates international law\|publisher=Kyiv Post\|date=4 June 2010\|access-date=7 June 2010}}</ref><br /> After the [[2014 Ukrainian revolution]], the new Ukrainian government toughened its stance towards Abkhazia and South Ossetia (like [[Transnistria]]). In 2018, Ukrainian ships forcefully intercepted Abkhaz ships in the Black Sea.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://dfwatch.net/ukraine-detains-ship-cigarettes-abkhazia-49709\|title=Ukraine detains ship carrying cigarettes from Abkhazia\|publisher=Freedom & Democracy Watch\|date=5 January 2018\|access-date=2 January 2019}}</ref> \|- \|{{UK}} \|\| [[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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5ih_PGPv_BI23W9E-2oFtO1iEbIaQ\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902235114/http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5ih_PGPv_BI23W9E-2oFtO1iEbIaQ\|url-status=dead\|title=Miliband blasts Russia move\|archive-date=2 September 2008}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom\|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 [[Group of Eight\|G8]], [[OECD]] and [[World Trade Organization\|WTO]], you must accept that with rights and responsibilities". Brown said that Russia "cannot pick and choose which rules to adhere to."<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=a.Z4IwPtfFdQ&refer=europe "Medvedev Tells EU Russia to Hit Back at Hostile Acts"] ''bloomberg.com'' 31 August 2008 Link accessed 02/09/08</ref> \|- \|{{USA}} \|\| [[President of the 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 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."<ref>[https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080826-2.html President Bush Condemns Actions Taken by Russian President in Regards to Georgia]. Office of the Press Secretary. 26 August 2008.</ref> [[Secretary of State]] [[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."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7582181.stm Russia recognises Georgian rebels] BBC News 26 August 2008.</ref> [[United States]] [[President of the United States\|President]] [[George W. Bush]] acknowledged the ceasefire accord brokered by the [[President of France\|French President]] and [[President of the European Council]], [[Nicolas Sarkozy]]. The accord was signed by [[President of Russia\|Russian President]] [[Dmitry Medvedev]] on 12 August 2008<ref>{{cite press release \|title = Press Statement following Negotiations with French President Nicolas Sarkozy \|publisher = [[President of Russia]] \|location = [[Moscow]] \|date = 12 August 2008 \|url = http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2008/08/12/2100_type82912type82914type82915_205208.shtml \|access-date = 30 August 2008 \|url-status = dead \|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080823135412/http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2008/08/12/2100_type82912type82914type82915_205208.shtml \|archive-date = 23 August 2008 \|df = dmy-all }}</ref> and by [[President of Georgia\|Georgian President]] [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] on 15 August 2008.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL768040420080815?sp=true Bush criticizes Moscow's actions in Georgia] Reuters 15 September 2008.</ref> 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."<ref name="President Bush: Cease Operations">{{cite press release \| title = President Bush Discusses Situation in Georgia, Urges Russia to Cease Military Operations \| publisher = [[White House]] \| date = 13 August 2008 \| url = https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813.html \| access-date = 30 August 2008 }}</ref> He also called upon Russia to respect the [[sovereignty]] and [[territorial integrity]] of [[Georgia (country)\|Georgia]].<ref name="President Bush: Cease Operations" /> 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."<ref>{{cite press release \| title = Russian MFA Spokesman Andrei Nesterenko Commentary in Connection with US President George Bush's Statement on South Ossetia \| publisher = [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia)]] \| date = 14 August 2008 \| url = http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/e78a48070f128a7b43256999005bcbb3/494766d7c50db3ccc32574a90026efdd?OpenDocument \| access-date = 30 August 2008 }}</ref> [[United States]] [[United States Vice President\|Vice President]] [[Dick Cheney]] traveled to Georgia on 4 September 2008 to reassure Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili of the United States' "commitment to Georgia’s territorial integrity."<ref name="Cheney visits Georgia">[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/world/europe/05cheney.html Cheney Backs Membership in NATO for Georgia] New York Times 4 September 2008.</ref> [[Vice President of the United States\|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"<ref name="Cheney visits Georgia" /> and pledged that Georgia would become a member of NATO.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/sep/05/georgia.nato Defiant Cheney vows Georgia will join Nato] Guardian 5 September 2008.</ref> [[United States Secretary of Defense]] [[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."<ref name="NYT: Jeopardize Ties">[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/world/europe/15policy.html Steven Lee Myers/Thom Shanker: ''Bush Aides Say Russia Actions in Georgia Jeopardize Ties''], New York Times 14 August 2008.</ref> 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."<ref name="NYT: Jeopardize Ties" /><br />In October 2009, State Secretary [[Hillary Clinton]] said that the United States would not recognise the independence of [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.km.ru/\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126123704/http://news.km.ru/gossekretar_ssha_klinton_otkazal\|url-status=dead\|title=KM.RU – новости, экономика, автомобили, наука и техника, кино, музыка, спорт, игры, анекдоты, курсы валют \| KM.RU\|archive-date=26 November 2009\|website=www.km.ru}}</ref> In order to help the conflict resolution in the Caucasus, the Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi started an exchange program for Abkhaz university employees in 2018. The professors from [[Abkhazian State University]] visited the United States. They visited the [[Arizona State University]], [[San Diego State University]], [[Rutgers University]], [[Virginia Tech]], [[Pennsylvania State University]], [[University of Maryland, College Park]] and the [[United States Department of Agriculture]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://americanambassadors.org/publications/ambassadors-review/spring-2019/reaching-georgia-s-occupied-territories-through-exchanges\|title=Reaching Georgia's Occupied Territories through Exchanges\|website=Council of American Ambassadors}}</ref> \|- \|{{UZB}} \|\|In 2008, [[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.{{cn\|date=March 2023}} As of 2020, Uzbekistan had not recognized Abkhazia. During the summer of 2020, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Abkhazia]], the Uzbek government wanted to evacuate several hundred guest workers from Abkhazia. Because the Uzbek government did not recognize Abkhazia, they negotiated with the Russian government in order to organize the evacuation.<ref>{{cite news\|url =https://mfa.uz/ru/press/news/2020/soobschenie-operativnogo-shtaba-mid-uzbekistana---28696\|title=Сообщение Оперативного штаба МИД Узбекистана\|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Uzbekistan)\|Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]\|date=29 October 2020\|access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref> \|- \|{{VNM}} \|\| In 2008, [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Vietnam)\|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] Spokesman Le Dung publicly 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]]".<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.vnanet.vn/Home/EN/tabid/119/itemid/265214/Default.aspx \|title=Vietnam supports peaceful solutions to int'l disputes \|access-date=7 September 2008 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907072450/http://www.vnanet.vn/Home/EN/tabid/119/itemid/265214/Default.aspx \|archive-date=7 September 2008 \|url-status=dead \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> In a non-public conversation, [[Phạm Bình Minh]], then the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, told [[Michael W. Michalak]], the [[List of ambassadors of the United States to Vietnam\|Ambassador of the United States to Vietnam]], that Georgian President Saakashvili's decision to invade South Ossetia was the reason for the crisis and added that Russia's decision was "a direct consequence of the US-led movement to recognize Kosovo", which Vietnam had opposed.<ref name="Donnacha Ó Beacháin"/> In 2022, the Vietnamese Ambassador in Venezuela established a first official contact with the Abkhaz Ambassador in that country.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/embassies/zaur-gvadzhava-prinyal-uchastie-v-torzhestvennykh-meropriyatiyakh-po-sluchayu-77-y-godovshchiny-neza/ \|title=Zaur Gvadzhava participated in the celebrations on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of Vietnam's \|access-date=26 September 2022 }}</ref> \|- \| {{ZWE}} \|\| In 2024, Burundi voted against the Georgia resolution at the [[United Nations]] which would United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to reiterate the right of return of all displaced persons and refugees to Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and support Georgia’s territorial integrity.<ref> https://civil.ge/archives/611464/amp</ref> \|} ==== Other states ==== {\| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" \|- ! style="width:175px;"\|[[Sovereign state\|State]] !! Position \|- \|{{flag\|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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2008&mm=08&dd=27&nav_id=315576 \|title=B92 – Vesti – "Kosovo nije Osetija i Abhazija" – Internet, Radio i TV stanica; najnovije vesti iz Srbije \|date=27 August 2008 \|publisher=B92.net \|access-date=3 October 2008}}</ref> \|- \| {{flag\|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]].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=151456&bolum=102\|title=Talat voices respect for will of peoples of S. Ossetia and Abkhazia\|publisher=[[Today's Zaman]]\|date=28 August 2008\|access-date=28 August 2008\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901204601/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=151456&bolum=102\|archive-date=1 September 2008\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> \|- \| {{PSE}} \|\| Palestine has so far not recognized the independence of Abkhazia or South Ossetia. In 2015, [[Abdel Hafiz Nofal]], the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Russian Federation, met with [[Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia\|Abkhaz foreign minister]] [[Viacheslav Chirikba]] and Igor Ahba, the Abkhaz Ambassador to Russia.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://old.mfaapsny.org/en/information/?ID=4027\|title=Information of the meeting of V. Chirikba with Ambassadors of Syria and Palestine\|publisher=Abkhaz Foreign Ministry\|date=2 December 2015\|access-date=8 November 2020\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2022, Nofal met with Inal Ardzinba, who had become Abkhaz foreign minister in late 2021.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/othernews/sostoyalas-vstrecha-ministra-inostrannykh-del-respubliki-abkhaziya-inala-ardzinba-s-chrezvychaynym-i/\|title=Inal Ardzinba met with Abdel Hafiz Nofal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palestine to the Russian Federation\|publisher=Abkhaz Foreign Ministry\|date=30 May 2022\|access-date=1 June 2022}}</ref> \|- \| {{flag\|Republic of China\|name=Republic of China (Taiwan)}} \|\| The 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".<ref name="kommersant newspaper">{{cite web\|url=http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id%3D286219 \|title=Interfax \|access-date=2012-01-12 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509023853/http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=286219 \|archive-date=9 May 2013 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> \|} ==== Former partially recognized states ==== {\| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" \|- ! style="width:175px;"\|[[Sovereign state\|State]] !! Position \|- \|{{flagicon\|Chechnya\|1991}} [[Chechen republic of Ichkeria]] \|\| On 10 December 1997, [[President of Ichkeria\|President of Chechnya]] [[Aslan Maskhadov]] appointed Ruslan Tuntaev as a "plenipotentiary representative of the Chechen republic-Ichkeria" to Abkhazia. The envoy was appointed with a mandate of handling "economic and cultural-humanitarian affairs", with nothing being stated about political relations.<ref name="jam">{{Cite web \|url=https://jamestown.org/program/chechen-representative-to-abkhazia-appointed/\|title=Chechen representative to Abkhazia appointed\|website=Jamestown \|date=12 December 1997}}</ref> On 19 December 1997, Tuntaev was removed from his post by Maskhadov following Tuntaev's statement that the Chechen republic of Ichkeria "might recognize the Abkhazia's independence soon". Maskhadov's administration described this statement as an "illegal and uncoordinated action". Kazbek Khajiev, Maskhadov's press secretary, said that Chechnya would not endanger its friendly relations with Georgia to "promote somebody's ambitions".<ref>{{Cite journal\|journal=Central Asia and the Caucasus\|title=Central Asia and the Caucasus\|issue=1–3\|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Central_Asia_and_the_Caucasus/Ym0MAQAAMAAJ\|publisher=Central Asia and The Caucasus, Information and Analytical Center\|year=2000 \|pages=155}}</ref> \|} == Positions taken by intergovernmental organisations == Under international law, [[intergovernmental organisation]]s 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. {\| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" \|- ! style="width:175px;"\|International organisation !! Position \|- \|{{flag\|United Nations}} \|\| In April 2008, the [[United Nations Security Council]] unanimously passed ''[[United Nations resolutions on Abkhazia\|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 [[Abkhaz–Georgian conflict]] only by peaceful means and within the framework of the Security Council resolutions."<ref>{{cite news\|title=Resolution 1808: The situation in Georgia\|publisher=[[United Nations Security Council]]\|date=15 April 2008\|url=http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/1808\|access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Security Council Extends Mandate Of Georgia Observer Mission Until 15 October, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 1808 (2008)\|publisher=[[United Nations]]\|date=15 April 2008\| url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/sc9299.doc.htm\|access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref> In August 2008, [[Secretary-General of the 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".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/27/content_9718891.htm\|title=UN chief voices concern about Russian move on South Ossetia, Abkhazia\|publisher=Xinhuanet\|date=27 August 2008\|access-date=29 June 2010\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011222243/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/27/content_9718891.htm\|archive-date=11 October 2009\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Michele Montas]], a spokesperson for [[UN Secretary-General]] [[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".<ref>[http://www.newkosovareport.com/200809011181/Politics/UN-Don-t-compare-Kosovo-to-anything.html "UN: Don't compare Kosovo to anything"] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915063940/http://www.newkosovareport.com/200809011181/Politics/UN-Don-t-compare-Kosovo-to-anything.html \|date=15 September 2008 }} ''newkosovareport.com'' 1 September 2008 Link accessed 03/09/08</ref> The [[President of the UN General Assembly]], [[Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann]] of [[Nicaragua]], sided with Russia in the course of this war, which led to criticism by Western diplomats.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=zxyzCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA243 Barbara Stark: ''International Law and its Discontents: Confronting Crises'', New York (NY): Cambridge University Press 2015, p. 243.]</ref> \|- \|[[File:Flag of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.svg\|23px]] [[Collective Security Treaty Organisation]] \|\| On 3 September, The CSTO member countries supported Russia's stance on the events in the Caucasus in a collective statement. The member states also backed a Russian proposal to impose an arms embargo on Georgia.{{cn\|date=March 2023}} 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.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Russia allies fail to back Moscow on enclaves \| publisher = Reuters \| date = 4 September 2008 \| url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/gc07/idUKL414255520080904 \| access-date = 25 August 2021}}</ref> [[Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation\|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",<ref>{{cite news \| location = [[Yerevan]] \| script-title=ru:Нынешняя ситуация толкает Абхазию и ЮО в систему коллективной безопасности – Бордюжа \| publisher = News Armenia \| date = 2 September 2008 \| url = http://www.newsarmenia.ru/sng1/20080902/41939021.html \| access-date = 3 September 2008\|language=ru}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news \| last = Danielyan \| first = Emil \| title = Sarkisian discusses Georgia crisis with Russian leader \| publisher = [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] \| date = 2 September 2008 \| url = http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2008/09/7B15C73A-30B5-4AC0-9484-69962EF5BC8E.ASP \| access-date = 3 September 2008}}</ref> \|- \|{{flagicon\|Europe}} [[Council of Europe]] \|\| Former [[Secretary General of the Council of Europe\|Secretary General]] [[Terry Davis (politician)\|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".<ref name="news2"/> \|- \|{{EU}} \|\| 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 [[Helsinki Accords\|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.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/01_09_08_eurussia_statement.pdf Presidency conclusions of the Extraordinary European Council held in Brussels (1 September 2008).]. [[BBC News]]. 1 September 2008</ref> Swedish Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the [[Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe\|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. Minister-Counsellor and Acting [[Head of Mission]] of the [[List of diplomatic missions in Sweden\|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".<ref>{{cite press release \| title = Russian irritation over Sweden's stance \| publisher = [[Embassy of Russia in Stockholm]] \| date = 27 August 2008 \| url = http://www.ryssland.se/emb_e9a.htm \| access-date = 29 August 2008 \| url-status = dead \| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070520061412/http://www.ryssland.se/emb_e9a.htm \| archive-date = 20 May 2007 \| df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>[http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=148&a=821223 Rysk irritation över svensk hållning] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823202937/http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=148&a=821223 \|date=23 August 2011 }}, Dagens Nyheter, 28 August 2008.</ref><ref>[http://carlbildt.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/onsdag-i-den-europeiska-krisen/ Onsdag i den europeiska krisen], Carl Bildt – Alla dessa dagar, 27 August 2008.</ref> The [[European Union\|EU]]'s executive arm, the [[European Commission]], issued a statement stating it "fully shares and supports" the EU French [[Presidency of the Council of the European Union\|presidency]]'s statement on the Russian act on Tuesday (26 August 2012).<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/27/content_9718972.htm\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916190017/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/27/content_9718972.htm\|url-status=dead\|title=EU condemns Russian decision to recognise Abkhazia independence\|archive-date=16 September 2008}}</ref> 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]],<ref>{{cite magazine \| last = Luchterhandt \| first = Otto \| title = Ex-Soviet States Fear Russian Aggression \| magazine = [[Der Spiegel\|Spiegel]] \| date = 29 August 2008 \| url = http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,575238,00.html \| access-date = 1 September 2008 }}</ref> directly bordering the EU, such as [[Moldova]] and [[Ukraine]]. Their fears are prompted by rising tension between [[Russia–Ukraine relations\|Ukraine and Russia]], and fresh calls for independence from Moldova by [[separatist]]s in the breakaway region of [[Transnistria]].<ref>[http://www.europe1.fr/Info/Actualite-Internationale/Europe/L-Europe-parle-de-sanctions-contre-Moscou/(gid)/159988 L’Europe parle de "sanctions" contre Moscou] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831084259/http://www.europe1.fr/Info/Actualite-Internationale/Europe/L-Europe-parle-de-sanctions-contre-Moscou/(gid)/159988 \|date=31 August 2008 }}, Europe 1 Radio, 28 August 2008.</ref> [[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".<ref>{{cite news \| last = Walker \| first = Marcus \|author2=Galloni, Alessandra \|author2-link=Alessandra Galloni \|author3=Chazan, Guy \|author4=Miller, John W. \| location = [[Berlin]], [[Paris]], [[London]] and [[Brussels]] \| title = EU Remains Divided Over Punishment of Russia \| newspaper = [[Wall Street Journal]] \| date = 28 August 2008 \| url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121994976061180505?mod=googlenews_wsj \| access-date = 2 September 2008 }}</ref> Lavrov is under sanctions from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia for his role in the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2022-02-26 \|title=Ukraine invasion: West imposes sanctions on Russia's Putin and Lavrov \|language=en-GB \|work=BBC News \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60530171 \|access-date=2022-06-08 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228003654/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60530171 \|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|date=2022-02-25 \|title=Australia plans to impose sanctions directly on Russian President Vladimir Putin \|language=en-AU \|work=ABC News \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-26/australia-sanctions-putin-directly-over-ukraine-invasion/100863788 \|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref> \|- \|[[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."<ref>[http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2008/August/20080827152352xjsnommis0.9067346.html Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement on Georgia] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831110250/http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2008/August/20080827152352xjsnommis0.9067346.html \|date=31 August 2008 }}. America.gov. 27 August 2008.</ref> The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia)\|Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] responded stating that the statement justified [[Battle of Tskhinvali\|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.<ref>{{cite press release \| title = Russian MFA Information and Press Department Commentary in Connection with G7 Statement Concerning Russia's Recognition of the Independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia \| publisher = [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia)]] \| date = 29 August 2008 \| url = http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/e78a48070f128a7b43256999005bcbb3/d296c73b1bd9c4c5c32574b4004bb07d?OpenDocument \| access-date = 29 August 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| title = G7 Justified Georgian Aggression \| publisher = [[Kommersant]] \| date = 29 August 2008 \| url = http://www.kommersant.com/p-13144/G7_aggression_Georgia_justify/ \| access-date = 29 August 2008 \| url-status = dead \| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080831090642/http://www.kommersant.com/p-13144/G7_aggression_Georgia_justify/ \| archive-date = 31 August 2008 \| df = dmy-all }}</ref> \|- \|{{flag\|NATO}} \|\| [[Secretary General of 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".<ref name="BBC1"/><br />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.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.regions.ru/news/2256608/\|title=НАТО ОТКАЗАЛОСЬ ПРИЗНАТЬ ЮЖНУЮ ОСЕТИЮ\|access-date=10 December 2009}}</ref> \|- \|[[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe\|Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE) \|\| OSCE Chairman-in-Office, [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Finland)\|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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.osce.org/cio/50011\|title=OSCE Chairman condemns Russia's recognition of South Ossetia, Abkhazia independence\|access-date=24 April 2021}}</ref> On 9 July 2012, the [[OSCE Parliamentary Assembly]] passed a resolution at its annual session in [[Monaco]], underlining Georgia's territorial integrity and referring to breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia as “occupied territories”. The resolution “urges the Government and the Parliament of the Russian Federation, as well as the de facto authorities of Abkhazia, Georgia and South Ossetia, Georgia, to allow the European Union Monitoring Mission unimpeded access to the occupied territories.” It also says that the [[Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe\|OSCE Parliamentary Assembly]] is “concerned about the humanitarian situation of the displaced persons both in Georgia and in the occupied territories of Abkhazia, Georgia and South Ossetia, Georgia, as well as the denial of the right of return to their places of living.” The Assembly is the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE with 320 lawmakers from the organization's 56 participating states, including Russia.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.oscepa.org/publications/all-documents/doc_download/1258-final-declaration-english\|title=Soares to visit the Caucasus next week\|author=Admin\|access-date=5 April 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714035640/http://www.oscepa.org/publications/all-documents/doc_download/1258-final-declaration-english\|archive-date=14 July 2012\|url-status=dead\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> \|- \|[[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 inline\|date=September 2008}} ''[[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.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080830183354/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/29/stories/2008082956281400.htm Support for Russia at SCO Summit] [[The Hindu]]: ''Vladimir Radyuhin, Moscow''.</ref> ''[[Xinhua News Agency]]'' reported that a joint declaration was issued at 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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/28/content_9730813.htm\|title=SCO leaders say no int'l problems can be solved by merely using force_English_Xinhua\|access-date=5 April 2016\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193214/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/28/content_9730813.htm\|archive-date=3 March 2016\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Western sources added that the SCO called for respect for every country's territorial integrity,<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/aug/28/eu.russia?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews \|title=EU threatens sanctions against Russia \| World news \| guardian.co.uk \|publisher=guardian.co.uk \|author=Mark Tran, Julian Borger in Kiev and Ian Traynor in Brussels \|date= 28 August 2008\|access-date=3 October 2008 \| location=London}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav082808b.shtml\|title=Russia: The Kremlin Tries to Put on Brave Face Following Diplomatic Slap over Georgia\|website=EurasiaNet.org\|access-date=5 April 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905172144/http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav082808b.shtml\|archive-date=5 September 2008\|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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".<ref>[http://kommersant.com/p1017558/SCO_refused_to_support_Russia/ Kommersant, ''"Allies Let Him down"''] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906180604/http://www.kommersant.com/p1017558/SCO_refused_to_support_Russia/ \|date=6 September 2008 }}, August-29-2008</ref><ref>[http://www.sectsco.org/news_detail.asp?id=2349&LanguageID=1 Official declaration of the Organisation] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914153602/http://www.sectsco.org/news_detail.asp?id=2349&LanguageID=1 \|date=14 September 2008 }} at the Dushanbe summit on 28 August 2008 {{in lang\|zh}}.</ref><ref>[http://www.president.tj/habarho_280808h.html Official declaration of the Organisation] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914001152/http://www.president.tj/habarho_280808h.html \|date=14 September 2008 }} at the Dushanbe summit on 28 August 2008 {{in lang\|ru}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.gov.cn/jrzg/2008-08/28/content_1082152.htm\|title=《上海合作组织成员国元首杜尚别宣言》（全文）\|website=www.gov.cn}}</ref> \|- \|[[Union of Russia and Belarus]] \|\| On 4 August 2008, [[Pavel Borodin]], then [[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.{{cn\|date=January 2023}} On 10 February 2022, the new Abkhaz foreign minister [[Inal Ardzinba]] met with State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus [[Dmitry Mezentsev]]. They both discussed integration processes in the post-Soviet space.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/othernews/inal-ardzinba-vstretilsya-s-gosudarstvennym-sekretarem-soyuznogo-gosudarstva-rossii-i-belarusi/\|title=Inal Ardzinba met with the State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus\|website=mfaapsny.org\|access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref> In March 2022, they met again.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mfaapsny.org/ru/allnews/news/othernews/v-moskve-sostoyalas-vstrecha-ministra-inostrannykh-del-respubliki-abkhaziya-inala-ardzinba-s-gossekr/\|title=В Москве состоялась встреча Инала Ардзинба с Госсекретарем Союзного государства России и Белоруссии Дмитрием Мезенцевым\|website=mfaapsny.org\|access-date=23 March 2022}}</ref> In October 2022, according to the online publication Abkhazia Post, the foreign ministries of Abkhazia, Belarus and Russia established a trilateral forum of consultations on questions about the Union State.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://twitter.com/AbkhaziaP/status/1578326037657636865\|title=On the interaction between the Republic of #Abkhazia and the #UnionState and a trilateral format with #Russia 🇷🇺 and #Belarus 🇧🇾 MFA announced that agreement was reached on regular consultations.\|website=twitter.com\|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> \|} == Positions taken by non-state actors == === Regions with independent governments === {\| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" \|- ! style="width:175px;"\|Entity!! Position \|- \| {{flagicon image\|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Hamas]] (government in [[Gaza Strip]]) \|\| On 26 August 2008 a spokesman for the [[Palestinian nationalism\|Palestinian]] group [[Hamas]], which governs the [[Gaza Strip]], 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 [[Palestinians\|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".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2008/08/26/n_1262987.shtml \|script-title=ru:ХАМАС приветствует признание независимости Абхазии и Южной Осетии \|publisher=Gazeta.ru \|language=ru \|date=26 August 2008 \|access-date=26 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6756&Itemid=65 \|title=Only Palestine's Hamas Backs Kremlin's Recognition of Abkhazia, South Ossetia \|publisher=Georgian Daily \|date=27 August 2008 \|access-date=27 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2634318/Georgia-Europe-unites-to-condemn-Kremlin.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2634318/Georgia-Europe-unites-to-condemn-Kremlin.html \|archive-date=12 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|url-status=live \|title=Georgia: Europe unites to condemn Kremlin \|newspaper=Daily Telegraph \|date=27 August 2008 \|access-date=27 August 2008 \| location=London \| first1=Con \| last1=Coughlin \| first2=Adrian \| last2=Blomfield}}{{cbignore}}</ref> \|- \| {{flag\|Yemen}} – [[Supreme Political Council]] (government in part of [[Yemen]]) \|\| The internationally recognized government of Yemen has not recognized either Abkhazia or South Ossetia. Nevertheless, Abdullah Ali Sabri, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the [[Houthi]]-dominated Supreme Political Council government of the Republic of Yemen in [[Damascus]], met with the Abkhaz Ambassador in [[Syria]] in 2021. Both representatives exchanged views on possible areas of bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Islamic Republic of Yemen as well as the strengthening of relations between both parties.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://mfaapsny.org/en/allnews/news/embassies/bagrat-khutaba-vstretilsya-s-poslom-yemena-v-sirii-/ \|title=Bagrat Khutaba met with the Ambassador of Yemen to Syria \|website=MFA Apsny\|access-date=2021-03-19 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> \|} === International non-governmental organisations === {\| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" \|- ! style="width:175px;"\|International organisation !! Position \|- \| [[Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization]] (UNPO) \|\| [[The Hague]]-based Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, whose members are 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".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.unpo.org/content/view/8579/81/\|title=General Secretary Statement on Abkhazia \|date=29 August 2008\|publisher=UNPO\|access-date=13 September 2009}}</ref> \|- \|[[International Organization for Standardization]] (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\|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.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/country_codes/iso_3166-faqs/iso_3166_faqs_general.htm\|title=General Questions\|publisher=ISO – Maintenance Agency for ISO 1366 country codes\|access-date= 28 March 2009}}</ref> To appear in the terminology bulletin, it must either (a) be admitted into the United Nations, (b) join a [[List of specialized agencies of the United Nations\|UN Specialised Agency]] or (c) become a state party to the ''Statute of the [[International Court of Justice]]''.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/country_codes/background_on_iso_3166/iso_3166-1_and_cctlds.htm\|title=ISO 3166-1 and country coded Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)\|publisher=ISO – Maintenance Agency for ISO 3166 country codes\|access-date= 29 June 2009}}</ref> None of these criteria have been met. \|- \| [[Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers]] (ICANN) \| [[ICANN]], through its [[Country Code Names Supporting Organization]], is responsible for adding new [[country code top-level domain]]s (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 introduced.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.dnxpert.com/2008/09/24/kosovo-transnistria-abhkazia-top-level-domains/ \|title=Kosovo, Transnistria, Abkhazia Top Level Domains \|date=4 September 2008 \|publisher=DNXpert \|access-date=28 March 2009 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206125720/http://www.dnxpert.com/2008/09/24/kosovo-transnistria-abhkazia-top-level-domains/ \|archive-date=6 December 2008 }}</ref> \|} Line 124 ⟶ 849: == References == {{Reflist\|30em}} ==Sources== *{{Cite thesis \|ref={{harvid\|Ramírez-Gastón\|2018}} \|title=La Toma de Decisiones del Perú en las Naciones Unidas Frente a las intervenciones armadas rusas en Abjasia \|last=Ramírez-Gastón Lecca \|first=Fernando \|date=2018-11-06 \|publisher=Academia Diplomática del Perú Javier Pérez de Cuéllar \|url=http://repositorio.adp.edu.pe/handle/ADP/67}} {{International recognition of states with limited recognition}}