U.S. Condemns Russian Recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Applauds Slovak Humanitarian Aid

August 27, 2008

On August 26, President Bush released this statement: “The United States condemns the decision by the Russian President to recognize as independent states the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.  This decision is inconsistent with numerous United Nations Security Council Resolutions that Russia has voted for in the past, and is also inconsistent with the French-brokered six-point ceasefire agreement which President Medvedev signed on August 12, 2008.  The six-point agreement offered a peaceful way forward to resolve the conflict.  We expect Russia to live up to its international commitments, reconsider this irresponsible decision, and follow the approach set out in the six-point agreement. The territorial integrity and borders of Georgia must be respected, just as those of Russia or any other country.  Russia’s action only exacerbates tensions and complicates diplomatic negotiations.  In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions that remain in force, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are within the internationally recognized borders of Georgia, and they must remain so.” On August 27, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Jan Kubis announced an additional 2 million Slovak Korun of Slovak humanitarian assistance to be sent to Georgia in the form of direct financial aid to civilians affected by the recent armed conflict in South Ossetia. The rapid assistance will be provided to 250 afflicted families from South Ossetia (approximately 1500 persons) in close cooperation with International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Slovak Republic has already provided aid to Georgia in the value of 5.6 million SK.

Joint Statement (PDF) on Georgia by Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom