It's about the position of China and the United States: why Nauru no longer recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia

When making a decision to revoke the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Republic of Nauru was guided by the position of Australia, China and the United States, said Evgenia Goryushina, Head of the Caucasus Studies Sector of ICSA RAS.

The Nauru Government canceled the 2009 decision to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and terminated diplomatic relations with them. The decision was made on July 21 and officially confirmed on July 30.

"It will not directly affect the situation in the region. Nauru did not participate in the negotiations and had no significant economic interests in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. However, the number of UN member states recognizing two republics has decreased to four: Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Syria... Over 17 years of Nauru's connection with Sukhum and Tskhinval have not received a serious continuation. There was no noticeable trade, investment, transport links or permanent joint projects. Contacts were limited to visits, official congratulations, participation of delegations in events and observation of elections," Goryushina noted.

Nauru's position has changed along with the country's external priorities.

"Australia remains the main donor and partner of the island state, which finances the budget, the police, the banking system, telecommunications and security. In 2024, Nauru also restored diplomatic relations with China and supported the "one China" principle. The US position was also taken into account. American law restricts assistance to governments that recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia outside the territorial integrity of Georgia. For a small country dependent on external financing, the preservation of the 2009 decision created unnecessary restrictions," the expert writes in the telegram channel "Sector of Mountains".

According to Goryushina, the news appeared at the right moment for the Georgian Dream. Against the background of deteriorating relations with the European Union and the United States, the authorities may present Nauru's decision as a result of a policy of non-recognition. At the same time, it does not bring closer the restoration of control over the territories and does not create new settlement mechanisms, she stressed.

"For Abkhazia, the loss of recognition is more palpable, since Sukhum used relations with Nauru as confirmation of its own foreign policy. For South Ossetia, the consequences are more modest: Tskhinval is much more focused on Russia and integration with it. For Moscow, Nauru's decision was not a serious loss. Russia retains military, political and economic influence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The position of a small Pacific state does not change the situation on the spot," Goryushina added.