DPA: Iran, Bolivia, Venezuela can recognize independence of South Ossetia, Abkhazia

YEREVAN, September 3. /ARKA/. Iran, Bolivia and Venezuela may follow Russia’s example recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, according to Aram Sargsyan, leader of the Democratic Party of Armenia (DPA).

“I believe some states will recognize the republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia,” the MP said. “It is quite natural that some countries hesitate over the issue, as Russia’s recognition of the breakaway regions’ independence was like a gust, and it was not a premeditated action.”

On August 26, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed decrees recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. He also called other states to follow Russia’s example.

The DPA leader said other countries had not negotiated over the independence of Georgia’s breakaway regions. According to him, it will take some time while other states recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) did.

SCO member-states backed on August 28 Moscow’s six principles of settling the conflict in South Ossetia.

Sargsyan did not rule out some courtiers following example of CSTO member-states which had adopted a “silence-gives-consent” policy on the issue.

“Armenia is either to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia or not,” the MP said. Z. Sh. –0--