Nauru Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Occupied Abkhazia, Tskhinvali Regions as Tbilisi Welcomes Move
Nauru has cut diplomatic ties with Georgia’s Russia-occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said on July 29, welcoming the move. It remains unclear whether the small Pacific island nation has also withdrawn its recognition of the regions.
According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, Nauru’s Cabinet, the country’s executive body, decided on July 21 to revoke diplomatic relations with Sokhumi and Tskhinvali.
“The decision once again confirms that respect for and adherence to the norms of international law constitute the foundation of sound international relations,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry said, adding that Georgia is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Nauru.
The de facto Abkhaz foreign ministry responded with a statement “regretting” what it described as the “forced nature” of Nauru’s decision, which it attributed to “unprecedented and systematic external pressure.” It said that “the development of cooperation” between the two sides “has invariably faced opposition from Georgia and its Western partners,” adding that “a campaign of aggressive external pressure was launched against” Nauru.
“The full arsenal of unacceptable methods of suppression and coercion was deployed – ranging from blatant political blackmail and gross diplomatic pressure to outright financial and economic repression and punitive sanctions aimed at forcing the Republic of Nauru to reconsider its sovereign choice,” the de facto ministry said.
De facto authorities in Tskhinvali have yet to comment.
Nauru recognized Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions by establishing diplomatic relations with them in 2009. It has been among five countries that recognized their independence, alongside Russia, Syria, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Vanuatu and Tuvalu also previously recognized the occupied regions but withdrew their recognition in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Last updated on July 30 at 11:48.
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