Statement by Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Russia's Recognition of the Independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia

August 27, 2008

Japan has supported consistently a peaceful resolution of this issue based on Georgia’s territorial integrity. It is regrettable that while international efforts are in progress for a peaceful resolution of the issue, yesterday Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which is inconsistent with these international efforts.
Japan calls on Russia not to take unilateral actions, as it is of the view that to achieve true regional stability, the issues surrounding Georgia should be peacefully solved based on the six-principle ceasefire agreement. Japan strongly hopes that Russia will take responsible actions as a G8 member.

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