Putin meets with leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on 10th anniversary of recognition

Abkhazia and South Ossetia on Sunday celebrated the 10th anniversary of their recognition as independent states by Russia. The Russian diplomatic move came in August 2008 shortly after the four-day Georgia-Russia War. Georgia broke off diplomatic relations with Russia as a result.

Russian president Vladimir Putin on Friday (24 August) recieved in Moscow the leaders of the two protectorates that unilaterally seceded from Georgia in the 1990s, and have since been firmly entrenched within the Russian sphere. President Putin has reaffirmed Russia's committment to the two entitites despite the fact that only a handful of other countries have joined Russia in extending diplomatic recognition. The international community overwhelmingly still consider Abkhazia and South Ossetia to be part of Georgia. This was once more firmly stated on Friday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Georgia. Chancellor Merkel also made it a point to visit the demarcation line with South Ossetia, that the Russians and the Ossetians have been trying to turn into an international border.

In the meantime celebrations took place over the weekend in Abkhazia and South Ossetia where people consider the day of recognition of Russia as their day of independence.

related content: Merkel has reaffirmed her support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity during Tbilisi visit

source: commonspace.eu

photo: Russian president Putin meeting with the leaders of the self-declared republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Moscow on 24 August 2018 (picture courtesy of the press service of the president of Russia)

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union” after complaining that trade negotiations have stalled. The steep new import duties would start on 1st June, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The EU “has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union” after complaining that trade negotiations have stalled. The steep new import duties would start on 1st June, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The EU “has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”