Duma to Consider Recognising Abkhazia, South Ossetia

Boris Gryzlov, leader of Russia”s ruling party and former speaker of Russia”s lower house of Parliament, the State Duma, said on December 2 that the newly elected Russian legislative body would probably consider recognising Abkhaz and South Ossetian independence in January.

“Abkhazia and South Ossetia held referenda [on independence in 1999 and 2006, respectively] and sent the results of their referenda to the State Duma. I have received their proposals about the recognition of their independence,” Gryzlov said.

Russia”s parliamentary elections were held in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, despite Tbilisi”s protests.

“We will watch carefully how Russian citizens have cast their ballots in Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” Gryzlov said. “I think we will turn to these issues [about recognition of the breakaway regions] later… I think that this issue will be discussed in January.”

He made his remarks at a press conference in Moscow, where he was speaking about the results of the December 2 parliamentary elections in Russia, in which, according to official results, President Putin”s United Russia party won a landslide victory.
 
Meanwhile, the South Ossetian Press and Information Committee reported that Putin”s party received 92% of votes cast in South Ossetia.

“We hope that the progress made in the integration processes [of South Ossetia with Russia] will be continued [after the elections],” South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity said on December 2 while casting his ballot in the Russian parliamentary elections.
 
Georgian officials have said previously that the recognition of Georgia”s breakaway regions by Russia would amount to a declaration of war against Georgia.

“The Georgian state will use all constitutional tools to protect its territory and its integrity,” Davit Bakradze, the Georgian state minister for conflict resolution issues, told Rustavi 2 TV on December 3. “Our preference is for a peaceful settlement of the conflicts, but if Russia really starts preparations for the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, we will have to reconsider our position.”

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)