The spokesperson for the European External Action Service announced on Saturday 8 April that the EU did not recognise the framework in which the “so-called” presidential elections and the referendum on amending the name of the Georgian breakaway region of South Ossetia were due to take place on 9 April.
“The European Union reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia, including through its co-chairmanship of the Geneva International Discussions and the EU Monitoring Mission”, stated the spokesperson, reiterating the EU’s firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.
NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu also announced on 10 April that the Alliance did not recognise the “so-called” presidential elections nor the “so-called” referendum. “Unilateral steps to change the name or status of the region are detrimental to the efforts to find a lasting settlement of the situation in Georgia”, she stated in a press release.
Radio Free Europe reports that the speaker of the parliament of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, was leading with 48.7% of the 35% of votes counted. If he does not exceed 50% of the vote, the second round will be held on 23 April. Turn-out is reported to have been 81%. 78% of those who voted are reported to have supported changing the name of the region to Republic of South Ossetia – State of Alania. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)