OSCE CHAIRMAN CONDEMNS RUSSIA’S RECOGNITION OF INDEPENDENCE

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[05:53 pm] 26 August, 2008

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb,
today condemned the decision by Russia to recognise the independence
of the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

"The recognition of independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia
violates fundamental OSCE principles. As all OSCE participating States,
Russia is committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of others."

"Russia should follow OSCE principles by respecting the territorial
integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. Russia should immediately
withdraw all troops from Georgia and implement the ceasefire agreement,
including the modalities defined in the 16 August letter of French
President Nicolas Sarkozy. The international community cannot accept
unilaterally established buffer zones," said Stubb.

The OSCE will continue to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire
agreement. It stands ready to further assist in stabilizing the
situation.