TBILISI, August 5 – Georgia says it is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Nauru after the Pacific island state ended its ties with the Russian-backed authorities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Wednesday that Nauru’s government made the decision on July 21. He described it as a victory for international law and thanked Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili and Georgian diplomats involved in the country’s non-recognition policy.
Georgia considers Abkhazia and South Ossetia part of its territory. Both regions are controlled by Russian-backed authorities.
The de facto foreign ministry in Abkhazia confirmed Nauru’s move but blamed it on what it called years of political, diplomatic and economic pressure from Georgia and its Western partners.
Georgian Dream lawmaker Davit Matikashvili said the decision showed the success of the ruling party’s foreign policy.
Another governing-party lawmaker, Tengiz Sharmanashvili, said Georgia had lacked the ability to influence Nauru directly and had instead worked with countries capable of exerting influence.
Opposition parties disputed the government’s attempt to claim sole credit. Representatives of the United National Movement, Lelo and Ahali said the result was part of a long-term state strategy that began under previous governments.
They pointed to Vanuatu and Tuvalu, which had earlier withdrawn recognition of the two territories.
Caucasus analyst Mamuka Areshidze believes Moscow has spent significant resources persuading small states to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Rezonansi reported.
Nauru recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2009.
