Pacific island recognizes Abkhazia's independence
Ria Novosti - Nauru, the world's smallest country, has recognized
the independence of the former Georgian republic of Abkhazia, with both
countries signing an agreement on Tuesday on establishing diplomatic
relations.
Nauru is the fourth country to recognize Abkhazia's independence, joining Russia, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
The signing ceremony was held in the building of the Abkhaz
presidential administration. The document was signed by Abkhazian
Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba and his Nauru counterpart Kieren Keke.
"We hope that the establishment of diplomatic relations between our
countries will help establish stability and peace. I hope that other
countries will follow our example and will also recognize the
independence of Abkhazia," Keke told reporters after the signing
ceremony.
Abkhazia held on Saturday its first presidential election since
Russia recognized its independence in August 2008 after a brief war
with Georgia. Incumbent President Sergei Bagapsh was re-elected for another term with over 60% of the vote.
The Abkhaz leader hailed the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"The size of a state and the size of its population have no
significance. Nauru is a UN member state. We in Abkhazia are signing
for the first time an agreement on the establishment of diplomatic
relations on factual recognition," Bagapsh said, adding that the
process of the recognition of the former Georgian republic would
continue.
Nauru, an island in the South Pacific Ocean surrounded by a coral
reef, is the world's only country with no capital. It has a population
of about 15,000 people and became a member of the United Nations in
1999.
http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20091215/157242695.html