The Government of the Republic of Naoero has withdrawn its recognition of the Republic of South Ossetia and the Republic of Abkhazia as independent states and ended diplomatic relations with both territories with immediate effect.
The government said it had withdrawn its recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
“Accordingly, the Republic of Naoero has terminated its diplomatic relations with South Ossetia and Abkhazia with immediate effect,” it said in a statement.
The government said the relevant authorities would be formally notified through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Naoero had withdrawn its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, adding that the decision was taken on 21 July.
“The aforementioned decision once again confirms that respect for and protection of the norms of international law are the foundation of healthy international relations,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry also said Georgia was ready to establish diplomatic relations with Naoero.
Naoero, then known as Nauru, recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2009 and was one of five United Nations member states to do so, alongside Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Syria.
With the decision, Naoero joins Vanuatu and Tuvalu, which also withdrew their recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and severed diplomatic ties in 2011.
