PM Representative, Russian official discuss intended referendum on Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region joining Russia

The intended referendum of the de facto authorities in Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region on the territory joining Russia was discussed on Wednesday in a phone call between Zurab Abashidze, the Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia, and Grigory Karasin, the Chair of the International Committee of the Russian Federation Council. 

Abashidze told Karasin the Georgian Government “negatively assessed” the so-called referendum, set by the de facto authorities in the region for July 17.

We discussed the so-called referendum [in Tskhinvali region]. I conveyed to him the negative attitude of Tbilisi [the Georgian Government] toward this process. Karasin acknowledged the negative reaction of the Georgian Government. He also said Moscow was not involved in any activity related to the referendum,” Abashidze 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.

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Wednesday the EU would consider the intended referendum “illegal” and not recognise it.