Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC November 8, 2006
Rejecting the “Independence Referendum” and Elections in Georgia’s South Ossetia Region
The United States rejects the "independence referendum" and concurrent so-called "presidential" elections scheduled for November 12 in Georgia’s South Ossetia region. These actions will only serve to exacerbate tensions and divert attention from the need to peacefully resolve the conflict.
The United States supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the international community has made clear, South Ossetia is a part of Georgia. We call on Tskhinvali and Tbilisi to engage in direct talks to find a peaceful solution that defines the status of South Ossetia within Georgia’s internationally recognized borders, while affording South Ossetia significant autonomy within a unified Georgia. Implementing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s economic rehabilitation programs can ease current tensions, build confidence, and lay the foundation for such talks.
2006/ 1021
Released on November 8, 2006
|