Opposition politician credits West for Nauru's move on occupied regions

Georgian opposition politician Gia Japaridze has said Nauru's decision to sever diplomatic relations with the Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali was the result of years of US and European diplomatic efforts rather than the work of the Georgian government.

In a statement on Wednesday, Japaridze argued that the policy of non-recognition had been successful because of sustained support from the United States and the European Union.

"The termination of so-called diplomatic relations with Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region is an achievement and victory of American and European diplomacy," he said.

Japaridze added that the development underscored the importance of Georgia's partnership with the United States and the European Union, as well as its aspirations to join the EU and NATO.

He rejected government claims that the decision represented a success for Georgian diplomacy, accusing the Foreign Ministry of serving Russian interests.