NATO urges Russia to abandon recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

NATO will continue to insist on Russia's refusal to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, supporting Georgia's aspirations to join NATO, RIA Novosti reports.

"We will continue to call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia as independent states," said a joint declaration issued after the NATO summit in Chicago.

"We welcome the commitments of Georgia not to use force, and call upon Russia to reciprocate," stated in the declaration.

NATO countries, as indicated below, is calling on participants in the Geneva talks on security and stability in the Caucasus, held since October 2008, to "play a constructive role" and continue to work closely with the OSCE, the UN and the EU for "a peaceful settlement on the internationally recognized territory of Georgia ".

Members of the NATO summit, said in a declaration, agreed to "strengthen the attachment of Georgia to the alliance, including the further strengthening of political dialogue and practical cooperation and collaboration with Georgia."

"We continue to be concerned by the build-up of Russia's military presence on Georgia's territory and continue to call on Russia to ensure free access for humanitarian assistance and international observers," the document said.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers also reiterated a call for Russia to refuse recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The Geneva talks were convened after the armed conflict in Georgia in August 2008, in accordance with the Ceasefire Agreement dated Aug.12.

Military action was launched in the Georgian region of South Ossetia on Aug.8, 2008. Later Russian troops occupied the city of Tskhinvali and drove the Georgian military back. Russia recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late August.

In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced the two unrecognised republics as occupied territories.


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