The Pacific island nation of Nauru has severed diplomatic relations with the self-proclaimed entities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, effectively revoking its earlier recognition of their "independence." The Georgian Foreign Ministry announced the move.

The Nauruan government made the decision on July 21. Tbilisi stated that this step "reaffirms once again that stable international relations are possible only through adherence to the norms of international law."

Nauru recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2009—a year after the Russo-Georgian War. The republic, with a population of around 13,000, has now become the third country to reverse that decision; Tuvalu and Vanuatu had previously withdrawn their recognition.

Following Nauru's decision, the number of states recognizing the independence of the two regions—aside from Russia—has dropped to three. Currently, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Syria maintain this stance. However, the situation regarding Damascus could also change.

Lithuania's Foreign Ministry recently reported that the European Union intends to press the new Syrian authorities to officially recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as integral parts of Georgia.