EU, European countries condemn Syria’s recognition of Georgian occupied regions

The European Union and European countries and leaders have strongly condemned the recognition of Georgian occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) as independent republics by the Syrian government.

The official statement of the EU reads that the decision of the Syrian regime violates international law and the principle of territorial integrity as defined by the United Nations Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The European Union fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. We remain committed to actively support conflict resolution efforts, including through the work of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, and the EU Monitoring Mission,” the EU statement reads.

Finland stated that they fully shatred the EU position.

Finland fully aligns with the #EU statement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between #Syria, #Abkhazia and #SouthOssetia. Our support to the #territorial integrity and sovereignty of #Georgia stands firm. https://t.co/dtDAFeSaAf

— Päivi Peltokoski (@PaiviPeltokoski) May 30, 2018

For Germany Syria has taken an "unecceptable step."

Germany fully in line. Unacceptable step! #Germany fully supports territorial integrity of #Georgia. @MFAgovge@GeoEmbGermanyhttps://t.co/0UMaIRGrKc

— Andreas Peschke (@GERonOstpolitik) May 30, 2018

Condemning the recognition, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine stated that they stand by Georgia.

Strongly condemn the recognition of the independence of Abkhazia&South Ossetia by the Syrian regime. We remain committed to supporting the sovereignty&territorial integrity of Georgia&stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends.The flock of Russia’s sidekicks is not a secret

— Pavlo Klimkin (@PavloKlimkin) May 29, 2018

Mark Pritchard, a Conservative Member of Parliament from the United Kingdom tweeted against the recognition.

Syria, now in part, a vassal State of Russia, recognizes illegally occupied South Ossetia and #Abkhazia - time for UN & EU to revisit Russian aggression beyond Ukraine

— Mark Pritchard MP (@MPritchardUK) May 30, 2018

The Estonian Foreign Ministry stated that the recognition is a blatant violation of the international law.

Deplore blatant violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia-backed Syrian regime. International community must stand in unity to oppose such a step. Our stance is clear: the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia. https://t.co/44EXItuo1M

— Estonian MFA (@MFAestonia) May 29, 2018

Earlier today the US,NATO and several countries condemned the step by Syria.

Syria is the fifth after Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru which recognised the Georgian breakaway territories as independent republics in the wake of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.

The rest of the international community is unanimous in that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia.