Lithuania censures elections in South Ossetia

In response to reports about the so-called presidential elections and referendum on changing the name of Georgia’s breakaway Tskhinvali region of April 9, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania announces that it does not recognize the framework in which the so-called elections and the referendum took place or their results. Moreover, Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry condemns the continued steps towards the annexation of this Georgian region,” the ministry said in a press release.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. We stress the importance of the Geneva International Discussions for ensuring security and stability in the region and for resolving this conflict peacefully,” reads the communique.

The ministry also once again called on the Russian Federation to fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire agreement of August 12 2008 and its subsequent implementing measures, including providing the EUMM and humanitarian organizations unhindered access to Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.

According to media reports, South Ossetia held presidential elections and referendum on renaming the region into Republic of South Ossetia – State of Alania.

South Ossetia is de facto controlled by Moscow, although it is officially listed as an independent state. The international community view South Ossetia and Abkhazia as occupied Georgian territories.