OSCE: EU Statement on the so-called referendum and so-called presidential elections in South Ossetia on 12 November 2006

Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Permanent Council No. 634

9 November 2006

The European Union is aware that a “referendum” and “presidential elections” in South Ossetia are due to take place on 12 November 2006. The “referendum” contradicts Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The EU reiterates that it will not recognize the “referendum” or its outcome. The same applies to the “presidential election” in South Ossetia, Georgia.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia, EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement.

* Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process