US Rejects Presidential Elections In South Ossetia
By KUNA
The United States reaffirmed on Monday its refusal to recognize the presidential elections held in South Ossetia.
“We do want to note and comment on the November 13th South Ossetian de facto presidential elections and referendum. The United States does not recognize the legitimacy or the outcome of these so-called presidential elections and referendum that were held in Georgia’s South Ossetia region on November 13th”, said State Department spokesperson Mark Toner in a press briefing.
“We reiterate our strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders”, he added.
Even though its legal framework and premise was disputed by Georgia and the West, the presidential elections in South Ossetia over the weekend ended in a tie between the Moscow-backed candidate and a major opposition figure, and the two will compete again in a runoff election on November 27.
“We again urge Russia to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 cease-fire agreement, including withdrawal of its forces to pre-conflict positions and free access to humanitarian assistance to the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia”, concluded Toner.
