Belarus set to recognize Abkhazia, South Ossetia
Belarus may recognize Georgia`s rebel regions of Abkhazia and South
Ossetia in the coming days, its ambassador to Russia said
Thursday.
Vasily Dolgolev said Minsk supported Moscow`s military actions in the South Caucasus republic.
"Belarus and Russia are allies, and we will provide needed support to Moscow," Dolgolev added.
He said the Belarusian position on the issue of Abkhazia`s and South Ossetia`s independence would be stated in a special statement to be issued by President Alexander Lukashenko.
"That statement will clarify all outstanding issues," the ambassador said.
Recognition of Georgia`s breakaway republics would make Belarus the first country to diplomatically join with Moscow.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on August 26 recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The move heightened tensions in the volatile Caucasus region and put a further strain on Moscow`s relations with the West. The United States and numerous European powers have since condemned the move.
Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, said the decision was "regrettable" and warned it would be "dead-on-arrival" at the UN Security Council. German Chancellor Angela Merkel termed it "absolutely unacceptable", while Britain "categorically rejected" the decision and France expressed dismay.
Vasily Dolgolev said Minsk supported Moscow`s military actions in the South Caucasus republic.
"Belarus and Russia are allies, and we will provide needed support to Moscow," Dolgolev added.
He said the Belarusian position on the issue of Abkhazia`s and South Ossetia`s independence would be stated in a special statement to be issued by President Alexander Lukashenko.
"That statement will clarify all outstanding issues," the ambassador said.
Recognition of Georgia`s breakaway republics would make Belarus the first country to diplomatically join with Moscow.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on August 26 recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The move heightened tensions in the volatile Caucasus region and put a further strain on Moscow`s relations with the West. The United States and numerous European powers have since condemned the move.
Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, said the decision was "regrettable" and warned it would be "dead-on-arrival" at the UN Security Council. German Chancellor Angela Merkel termed it "absolutely unacceptable", while Britain "categorically rejected" the decision and France expressed dismay.
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