EU High Representative Borrell: EU considers intended referendum on Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region joining Russia “illegal”

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Wednesday the European Union would consider the intended referendum in Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region on joining Russia “illegal” and not recognise it.

Following a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday, Borrell said he shared the concern of the Georgian Government about the referendum, set by the de facto authorities in the region for July 17.

We discussed the situation in the separatist regions [of Georgia]. We share the concern of the Prime Minister about this referendum that we will consider illegal and we will not recognise. We will continue supporting the territorial integrity of Georgia,” the EU official said.

On May 13, the de facto President of Tskhinvali announced the territory would hold the referendum on whether to become a part of the Russian Federation.

On April 1, United States Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price said the US would not recognise the results of any effort by “Russia or its proxies” to “divide sovereign Georgian territory”.