Statement

by the Secretary General of NATO on the
Russian recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

I reject the decision of the Russian Government to extend recognition to the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia.  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.

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