The Tskhinvali region and Nicaragua signed an agreement in Moscow exempting holders of certain passports from visa requirements. The discussions also covered bilateral relations and international issues. Nicaragua was one of the first nations to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s independence in 2008, leading to diplomatic tensions with Georgia. Currently, only a few countries recognize these territories as independent.
On February 27, an agreement was reached between the occupied Tskhinvali region of South Ossetia, supported by Russia, and Nicaragua to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official, service, and foreign passports. This took place during a meeting in Moscow, where Tskhinvali’s self-declared “foreign minister,” Akhsar Dzhioev, engaged with Nicaragua’s ambassador to the occupied region, Alba Azucena Torres Mejía.
Participating in these discussions were Narim Kozaev, purported “ambassador” for Tskhinvali to Nicaragua, and Claudio Antonio Arana, Minister-Counsellor at Nicaragua’s Embassy in Russia. The agenda included talks about strengthening bilateral relations and addressing aspects of the current international landscape.
Nicaragua was notably among the first nations to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia following their separation from Georgian control in September 2008, coinciding with Russia’s recognition. Consequently, Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Managua in November of the same year due to Nicaragua’s acknowledgment of these regions as independent.
Beyond Russia and Nicaragua, the only other nations recognizing these territories as sovereign states are Nauru, Venezuela, and Syria. Meanwhile, the Georgian government and a majority of the international community view these regions as occupied by Russia and consider any diplomatic interactions with their de facto authorities a breach of Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In conclusion, the recent diplomatic agreement between the Tskhinvali region and Nicaragua highlights ongoing geopolitical complexities stemming from the recognition of disputed territories following the 2008 conflict. While Nicaragua maintains its stance on recognizing these regions, the majority of the international community continues to regard them as part of Georgia. The evolving relationship between Tskhinvali and Nicaragua may further impact regional dynamics, especially within the context of Russian influence.
Original Source: civil.ge
