Georgian FM: Nauru's move reflects years of diplomatic efforts

Nauru's decision to sever diplomatic relations with the Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) is the result of years of sustained diplomatic efforts by Georgia.

Speaking after the decision was announced this week, Botchorishvili described it as a significant achievement for Georgia's policy of non-recognition and its campaign to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity on the international stage.

"Nauru's decision to terminate diplomatic relations with the so-called independent republics of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali is a very important victory for Georgia's non-recognition policy and for the diplomatic efforts carried out by the Foreign Ministry to protect the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty," she said.

Botchorishvili argued that Nauru's recognition of the two regions following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war had violated international law and said Georgia had worked consistently with international partners to reverse that decision.

"We have worked continuously with our partners to ensure that this decision was reversed. The intensive diplomatic work carried out in recent years has led to today's result," she said.

The foreign minister congratulated Georgian diplomats involved in the process, praising their efforts to advance Georgia's interests abroad.

She also said Georgia would continue working to overturn what it considers unlawful recognition of the Russian-occupied regions by other states and to promote the restoration of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Only Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Syria are now the only states that recognise the Georgian regions as independent states.