Tuvalu `recognizes Abkhazia, South Ossetia`
The tiny Pacific Ocean state of Tuvalu reportedly has recognised Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, Radio Liberty reported.
Maxim Gundjia, the foreign minister in Abkhazia's separatist government, said that Tuvalu's Prime Minister Willy Telavi and his Abkhaz counterpart Sergei Shamba signed the agreement to establish diplomatic relations with Sukhumi on September 18.
South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity on Friday said that Tuvalu's recognition of South Ossetia was a "courageous and determined step."
There has so far been no independent confirmation of the move from Tuvalu.
Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and the Pacific island of Nauru had previously recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Earlier this year, a third Pacific state, Vanuatu, said it also recognized Abkhazia, but soon afterwards reversed its decision. However, Abkhaz authorities and the Vanuatu government's official website say the recognition remains in force.
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