The Republic of Naoero, known internationally as Nauru until June, has withdrawn its recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states and cut diplomatic relations with both territories.
“The Republic of Naoero has terminated its diplomatic relations with South Ossetia and Abkhazia with immediate effect,” the Pacific island nation’s government said in a statement.
It said the relevant authorities would be formally notified through diplomatic channels. The decision was taken on July 21 and publicly announced on July 30, according to Georgia’s Foreign Ministry.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia are Russian-occupied breakaway regions that are recognised by most of the international community as parts of Georgia.
Russia recognised the two territories as independent states after its brief war with Georgia in August 2008 and subsequently established a significant military presence in both regions.
Naoero recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2009, becoming one of only a small number of United Nations member states to do so.
Georgia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the reversal, saying it demonstrated Naoero’s respect for international law, Georgia’s sovereignty and its internationally recognised borders.
Tbilisi also expressed its readiness to establish diplomatic relations with Naoero and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Naoero’s withdrawal leaves Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Syria among the few UN members that continue to recognise the independence of both territories.
The announcement came as the Micronesian country formally adopted its Indigenous name, Naoero, replacing the colonial-era name Nauru.
The United Nations said it was notified of the change on June 26. Naoero’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment in May, and the government formally announced the transition in July.
President David Adeang said Naoero was not a new name but the country’s existing identity, already used locally and displayed on its coat of arms.
“The future of Naoero will be built by learning from the mistakes of the past and using their experience to make wiser decisions for the generations to come,” the government said.
