Russian call for ties causes concern

HELSINKI, Finland, April 18 (UPI) -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe says Russia's decision to establish ties with South Ossetia and Abkhazia is cause for concern.

The OSCE chairman-in-office, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, says Russia's announced plans to establish official ties with South Ossetia and Abkhazia, breakaway regions of Georgia, could potential undermine the already unstable situation in the region, OSCE reported.

South Ossetia's declared independence is largely unrecognized by the international community. The region's second independence referendum held in November 2006 went unrecognized by the European Union, OSCE, NATO and the United States among others. Likewise, Abkhazia's independence has also not been recognized internationally. And despite a U.N. brokered cease-fire in 1994, Abkhazia's relations with Georgia remain tense.

Officials say Russia's announced plans to establish ties with the de facto authorities of both South Ossetia and Abkhazia have been roundly criticized. Stubb called for continuing peace negotiations and says OSCE will continue to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

"I urge all parties involved to refrain from any unilateral actions which could further destabilize the already tense situation," Stubb said in a statement. "I call on the parties to look for ways to build confidence and engage in efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflicts. The OSCE and its mission to Georgia stand ready to promote the peace process."