US, EU do not recognise Russia-Tskhinvali region “treaty”

The de facto leaders of Georgia’s breakaway Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region and the Russian Federation will sign a so-called "Treaty on Alliance and Integration” today. The global community is assessing this as "yet another step that goes against ongoing efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region”.

The European Union (EU) and the United States (US) issued special statements, where they reiterated their firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.

"The United States’ position on South Ossetia and Abkhazia [Georgia’s other breakaway region] remains clear: these regions are integral parts of Georgia, and we continue to support Georgia’s independence, its sovereignty, and its territorial integrity,” said Jen Psaki, US Department of State Spokesperson in her March 17 statement.

She noted the US did not recognise the legitimacy of any so-called "treaty” between the de facto leaders of the Tskhinvali region and Russia.

"Neither this agreement nor the one signed between Russia and the de facto leaders in Abkhazia in November 2014 constitutes a valid international agreement,” she said.

The US stated Russia needed to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, reverse its recognition of the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, and provide free access for humanitarian assistance to these regions.

Meanwhile the EU said the announced signature by the Russian Federation of a so-called "Treaty on Alliance and Integration” with Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia would be "yet another step that goes against ongoing efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region”.

"Furthermore, the signature of this document on the very day of the 31st round of Geneva International Discussions creates circumstances that do not foster a constructive climate for efforts to improve the security and humanitarian situation on the ground,” said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in her statement.

She added: "Like previous agreements signed between Russia and the two Georgian breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, this "treaty" – which includes references to a transfer of powers in some areas – clearly violates Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles of international law and the international commitments taken by the Russian Federation, including the 12 August 2008 Agreement and its Implementing Measures of 8 September 2008 and has no legal standing.”

Both the EU and the US said they continued to support the Geneva International Discussions as a means to achieving concrete progress on security and humanitarian issues that continue to impact the communities on the ground in Georgia.