Lithuania doesn’t recognise so-called elections, referendum in breakaway Tskhinvali region

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania has announced that it does not recognise the so-called presidential elections and the referendum on changing the name of Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) that took place yesterday.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. We stress the importance of the Geneva International Discussions for ensuring security and stability in the region and for resolving this conflict peacefully,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It added that Lithuania once again calls on Russia to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008 and its subsequent implementing measures, including providing the European Union Monitoring Mission and humanitarian organisations unhindered access to Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.

#Lithuania does not recognize the so-called elections & referendum in #Georgia’s#Tskhinvali region https://t.co/d6VCPE7F7k

— Lithuania MFA (@LithuaniaMFA) April 10, 2017

On April 9 Tskhinvali region held so-called elections to elect a "president” of the breakaway region. A so-called referendum was also held the same day, asking people whether or not they want to change the name of the region to – "Republic of South Ossetia — State of Alania”.

This name will be similar to one of the federal subjects of the Russian Federation.

Tbilisi says these are "provocative acts” that only aim to annex the historically Georgian region.

The global community supports the position Tbilisi has and says that these so-called elections and referendum are illegal and have no legal effect.