Several opinions about "recognition" of "independence" of Abkhazia and „South Ossetia“ by Syria

Authors, Researchers of the Center for International Studies:

Ketevan Jebisashvili

Nika Chitadze

Paul Tujesus

The fact that one of the most brutal authoritarian regime in Syria has recognized the “independence” of Abkhazia and “South Ossetia”, once more clearly depicts the backbone of the recognition of two historic regions of Georgia. If the official Kremlin believes that, the recognition of the “independence” of Abkhazia and “South Ossetia” by the bloody regime of Bashar Assad, is his victory, we should remind Georgian northern neighbor, that the regime which was  supported by Moscow resulted to casualties of about 400 thousand people and about 11 million people was forced to gain the status of  refugees.

The conflict began in 2011 when the government of the country used force against peaceful protesters, including children and women, which later escalated to the use of chemical weapons.

However another county that recognized “independence" of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region is Venezuela. It is the only state in South America which is included in the number of non-free countries according to "Freedom House". As a result of the falsification of the presidential election, country is under threat to be excluded from the Organization of American States (members of the organization are more than 30 North and South, as well as the Central American and Caribbean States)

Russia's second ally in the "recognition" of Georgian historical territories is Nicaragua, which was ruled by a Marxist Orientation (Sandinist Movement) politician Daniel Ortega during the recognition of "independence" of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region (in 2008).

Another state is Nauru, whose area is just 21 square kilometers and the population does not exceed 12 thousand people.

Naturally, the de facto and de-jure situation does not change with the recognition of the “independence” of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by the Syrian side. Moreover, the main problem is that temporarily Georgia does not control its historical regions. Also, when in two historic regions of Georgia, political, military, social or economic situation is fully controlled by Russia we cannot talk about any de facto independence of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region.

With this move, Russia’s prestige once again is under danger in the perception of the international community. In addition, it is noteworthy that the Syrian actions cannot be influencedon other Arab states.  Accordingly, the recognition of "independence" of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by any Arab state in the League of Arab States (total 22 members) is not expected.