LOC19:56
16:56 GMT
(With Georgia-Separatism series)
PARIS, Aug 26 (KUNA) -- The European Union Presidency, currently held by
France, late Tuesday blasted a Russian decision to accord official recognition
to the break-away republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Georgia claims the break-away regions as part of its Republic.
A statement issued by President Nicolas Sarkozy's office, in the name of
the EU, said that the 27-member body "firmly condemned" Russia's decision,
which President Dmitry Medvedev approved earlier today after a vote in favor
Monday by the Russian parliament.
The Russian decision "is contrary to the principles of independence,
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as recognized by the United
Nations Charter", as well as the Organization for Security Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE) and "pertinent Security Council resolutions," the EU said.
"In this context, the Presidency of the European Union forcefully recalls
its attachment to the principle of territorial integrity of Georgia within
internationally-recognized borders," the statement continued.
The European Union also reiterated a call for a political solution to the
conflict in Georgia and the dispute over South Ossetia and Abkhazia, whose
autonomy Russia has long supported but has not gone as far as pushing for full
independence.
But an outbreak of hostilities in the first week of August between Georgian
and Russian troops in South Ossetia, led to a Russian incursion into Georgia
and a tougher position on South Ossetia.
In the meantime France, which brokered a cease-fire on August 12, is still
pushing for a full pullout from Ossetia by Russia, but this is now looking
more complicated.
The EU will examine the action it wants to take relative to the latest
Russian move when the 27 nations meet in Brussels on September 1. (end)
jk.hb
KUNA 261956 Aug 08NNNN