Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the Russian recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia

The North Atlantic Council condemns the decision of the Russian Federation to extend recognition to the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia and calls upon Russia to reverse its decision.

Russia’s decision violates the many UN Security Council resolutions it has endorsed regarding Georgia’s territorial integrity, and is inconsistent with the fundamental OSCE principles on which stability in Europe is based.  Russia’s actions have called into question its commitment to peace and security in the Caucasus. 

Georgia’s recovery, security and stability are important to the Alliance.  NATO calls on Russia to respect Georgia’s territorial integrity and to fulfill its commitments under the six-principle agreement signed by President Saakashvili and President Medvedev¹.

1. As complemented by President Sarkozy’s clarifications and correspondence on this issue.

27 August. 2008

(http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_43517.htm)