EU Response: Russian recognition of independence

Media release for immediate distribution
Wednesday 27 August 2008

Declaration by the Presidency of the Council of the European Union after the Russian authorities' recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union takes note of the decision taken by the Russian authorities to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The Presidency strongly condemns this decision, which is contrary to the principles of Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, recognised by the United Nations Charter, the final Act of the conference on security and cooperation in Europe and the relevant Security Council Resolutions.

In this context, the Presidency strongly recalls its commitment to the principle of Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders

The Presidency calls for a political solution to the conflicts in Georgia and will examine from this viewpoint the consequences of the Russian decision.

Declaration by the European Commission

The European Commission fully shares and supports the Council Presidency's statement, strongly condemning the decision by the Russian authorities to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

ENDS

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